I had a discussion regarding these devices with one who knows it all today. I didn't realize that the defibrillator could be shut off separately from the pacemaker. He suggested that would be a plausible course of action when quality of life got so bad that the patient wouldn't want to continue. the pacemaker would still function, but the renewing of life when there is no reason could be shut down. I had wondered about this as G has signed two NDR's and absolutely does not want to live in a mindless state..just thought others might want to be informed.