How to face emergencies in heart failure patients with ventricular assist device

Abstract Ventricular assist device (VAD) technology has rapidly evolved, and VADs are now seen as a reliable lifesaving option to support the failing heart in the short- and long-term: in some cases, VAD therapy represents a well-accepted treatment option for advanced heart failure that can obviate...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of cardiology 2013-10, Vol.168 (6), p.5143-5148
Main Authors: Pistono, Massimo, Corrà, Ugo, Gnemmi, Marco, Imparato, Alessandro, Temporelli, Pier Luigi, Tarro Genta, Franco, Giannuzzi, Pantaleo
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Anesthesia. Intensive care medicine. Transfusions. Cell therapy and gene therapy
Arrhythmias, Cardiac - therapy
Biological and medical sciences
Cardiology. Vascular system
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation - methods
Cardiovascular
Defibrillators, Implantable
Emergency
Emergency and intensive cardiocirculatory care. Cardiogenic shock. Coronary intensive care
Emergency Medical Services - methods
Female
Heart
Heart failure
Heart Failure - therapy
Heart failure, cardiogenic pulmonary edema, cardiac enlargement
Heart-Assist Devices
Humans
Intensive care medicine
Male
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
Ventricular assist device
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Summary:Abstract Ventricular assist device (VAD) technology has rapidly evolved, and VADs are now seen as a reliable lifesaving option to support the failing heart in the short- and long-term: in some cases, VAD therapy represents a well-accepted treatment option for advanced heart failure that can obviate the need for heart transplantation. In the near future, more and more cardiologists will encounter VAD patients in their clinical practice and need to know how to handle the inherent risks associated with VAD use. The emergency care of a VAD patient differs from that of conventional practice and specific expertise is required to avoid inappropriate management that could lead to inefficient treatment and/or dangerous consequences. Here, we describe two emergency scenarios in VAD patients, two paradigmatic clinical in-hospital situations, in different settings. Following a brief overview of the role of cardiopulmonary resuscitation maneuvers in VAD patients, we propose a working algorithm that might help to ensure a timely and efficient response to acute demands in this setting.
ISSN:0167-5273
1874-1754
DOI:10.1016/j.ijcard.2013.08.003