Dysthanasia

In medicine, dysthanasia means "bad death"[1] and is considered a common fault of modern medicine.[2]

Dysthanasia is a term generally used when a person is kept alive artificially, in a condition where otherwise they cannot survive, sometimes for some sort of ulterior motive. 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]

The term was used frequently in the investigation into the death of Formula One driver Ayrton Senna in 1994.

The etymology of the term is from the Greek language: δυσ, dus; "bad, difficult" + θάνατος, thanatos; "death".