Inmedicine, dysthanasia means "bad death" (from the Greek language: δυσ, dus; "bad, difficult" + θάνατος, thanatos; "death")[1] and is considered a common fault of modern medicine.[2] Dysthanasia occurs when a person who is dying has their biological life extended through technological means without regard to the person's quality of life.[3] Technologies such as an implantable cardioverter defibrillator,[4] artificial ventilation, ventricular assist devices, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation can extend the dying process. In some cases, cardiopulmonary resuscitation can be considered a form of dysthanasia.[5][6]
