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Tips in taking care of LVAD(Left Ventricular Assist Devices)

Do Sterile dressing Change to driveline daily

Do change vent filter every day

Do Avoid tension/pulling on the driveline.

Do secure the driveline with abdominal binder.

Do remember the white port on the PBU(power Base Unit) cable is the data port. To transfer drom battery to PBU, connect the white port last. To transfer from battery to PBU, connect the white port first. This process ensures that the system data willbe displayed as long as possible.

Do ambulate and increase patient activity daily.

Do remember that when on battery, the duration of power is 4-6 hours

Do know how to hand pump. Do remember to disconnect power from the system controller prior to hand pumping. for defibrillation, the system controllers is disconnected from the percutaneous tube and power. The person hand pumping,should place the hand pump on the bed and step away when the patient is defibrillated.

Do know how to change the system controller.

Do remember that hand pumping will not assist in a low volume state. Volume is the answer!!!

Do rememeber the alarms on the system controller have poer supplied via the battery controller mocule.

Di know the alarms on the system controller

Do perform a self-test daily. The mode should be on Auto mode unless prescribed by MD.

Do have the hand pump with the patient all the time!

Use aseptic technique for all procedures.

Notify your MD the soonest possible whenever you encounter problems with your LVAD.

Have a proper nutrition.

Control pain effectively.

I’s and O’s daily, Weight Daily is needed

Avoid caring for this patients if you have infection of any kind

Do work with physical therapy to coordinate care.

Inform the nearest Fire Department near your place about your device.

Take note of the emergency call numbers.

usually these are the things you need to do and watch out when taking care for LVAD patients.

Left Ventricular Assist Devices are made by Thoratec and I think they need to improve these device. In a world where things are getting smaller and science is talking about Nano Technology. I think this LVAD needs remodeling. I saw on TV last month about a new device that is better than LVAD because its smaller and they are using it to pediatric patients Children’s Medical Center here in Dallas TX and I think thats a better one than LVAD.

Left Ventricular Assist Device are devices that are implanted in patients with severe heart probllems these devices help the patient punp blood out of the heart. These devices are also the choice of treatment while waiting for a heart to be transplanted on a patient. Usually these patients who has an LVAD transplanted on them usually get the a heart specially if they are good at taking care of themselves and compliant with the treatment regimen. As what they are saying LVAD is the bridge to heart transplant. So if you are a patient and needs a heart try get an LVAD.

I work at Baylor University Medical Center in their Cardio-Thoracic-Transplant-CHF Telemtry Floor and we are the only floor at BUMC that admits these kinds of patients and I see lots of patients with it, and they live a fruitfull life. Usually they get a Heart when things goes bad for their LVAD and or if they become very ill.

And BUMC is the only LVAD Certified Hospital by JCAHO. so if you want a quality LVAD care team go to BUMC.

Enough for the advertisement. : ) hehehe Im just greatful to work with these kinds of patients.