What is an important safety consideration for an LVAD left ventricular assist device patient?
What is an important safety consideration for an LVAD left ventricular assist device patient?
Always keep a spare controller and fully charged spare batteries available at all times in case of an emergency. Do not disconnect the driveline from the controller or the pump will stop. Avoid kinking or twisting your driveline. This treatment is prescribed by your physician.
What is a VAD patient?
A ventricular assist device, or VAD, is a mechanical pump used to support heart function and blood flow in people with weak or failing hearts. The device is implanted in the body and pumps blood from the heart’s lower chambers to the rest of the body.
Can you do CPR on someone with an LVAD?
The use of chest compression on patients with LVAD remains controversial. It is generally contraindicated because of the risk of LVAD dislodgement or regurgitation (from the aorta to the left ventricle) may occur. In one case report, the percutaneously implanted aortic valve was destroyed due to prolonged CPR.
Can you take blood pressure with LVAD?
The measurement of BP and the management of hypertension in patients with CF-VADs can present unique challenges. Patients with LVADs often do not have a palpable pulse, and therefore traditional BP measurement by auscultation or automated cuff is less reliable.
Can you take a blood pressure with an LVAD?
Since LVAD patients do not typically have palpable peripheral pulses and blood pressures that can be measured by automated cuffs, first use US to get your patient’s MAP. Attach a manual BP cuff to your patient’s arm, inflate > 120 mm Hg, then slowly deflate it while having the Doppler US probe over the brachial artery.
How do I take care of my LVAD equipment?
Contact your LVAD team with any questions or concerns you have. Clean and inspect your equipment daily. Take your medications at the same times every day. Keep necessary backup equipment with you at all times. Change your exit site dressings according to instructions.
What are the risks of having a ventricular assist device (VAD)?
Ventricular assist device (VAD) 1 Blood clots. As your blood moves through your VAD, blood clots may form. 2 Infection. Because the power source and control unit for your VAD are located outside your body… 3 Right heart failure. If you have an LVAD implanted, it will pump more blood from the left ventricle…
What blood tests are done before VAD surgery?
Blood tests. Your doctor may order blood tests to check your liver, kidney and thyroid function before surgery to implant a VAD. Your doctor might also test for other chemicals in your blood that show how well your heart is working. Blood tests may also be used to check for symptoms of infection, which need to be treated before surgery.
Can you go swimming with an LVAD?
LVAD Do’s and Don’ts Having an LVAD means that you have to change some things in your life. There are some things that you will not be able to do, like swimming. Other than those few things, you should be able to, and do try to do the things that you did before you became ill.
