Ethical obligation of surgeons to noncompliant patients: can a surgeon refuse to operate on an intravenous drug-abusing patient with recurrent aortic valve prosthesis infection?

Ann Thorac Surg. 2009 Jul;88(1):1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2009.03.088.
No abstract available

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aortic Valve Insufficiency / complications
  • Aortic Valve Insufficiency / diagnosis
  • Aortic Valve Insufficiency / surgery*
  • Attitude of Health Personnel
  • Attitude to Health
  • Bioprosthesis / adverse effects
  • Decision Making
  • Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation / adverse effects*
  • Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation / methods
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Patient Compliance
  • Physician's Role*
  • Prosthesis-Related Infections / diagnosis
  • Prosthesis-Related Infections / surgery*
  • Recurrence
  • Refusal to Treat / ethics*
  • Reoperation
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / complications*
  • United States