Download Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD): What You Should Know

Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD)
What You Should Know
What is a left ventricular assist device (LVAD)?
Who can have an LVAD?
An LVAD (blood pump) is a device that helps your
heart pump blood throughout your body. It assists
or replaces the work of your left ventricle, the heart’s
main blood chamber.
An LVAD is used to prolong life and improve
quality of life. After receiving an LVAD, many
people are able to return to a normal, active life
within three months.
The LVAD is placed below the heart during surgery.
Blood flows from the heart into the LVAD. A motor
in the LVAD pumps the blood to the aorta (the
body’s main artery) and out to the rest of your body.
LVADs are used in patients with end-stage heart
disease who:
An LVAD includes several parts:
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the LVAD.
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heart. It attaches to the heart’s left ventricle.
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(bypass surgery, heart valve replacement) or have
had surgery but still have poor quality of life.
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makes sure that your pump is working correctly.
It connects to the pump and to a power source
(battery or wall outlet).
Patients who are seeking a transplant sometimes
need the short-term support of an LVAD. These are
called bridge-to-transplant (BTT) patients. Some
of these patients will receive the device before they
complete their evaluation for heart transplant.
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skin). This connects the pump to the system
controller.
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emergency power pack).
Patients who do not qualify for transplant may be
helped by the long-term support of an LVAD. These
are called destination-therapy (DT) patients.
If you are deaf or hard of hearing, please let us know. We provide many free services including
sign language interpreters, oral interpreters, TTYs, telephone amplifiers, note takers and written materials.
What is an LVAD evaluation?
Before you have LVAD surgery, we must make sure
that you have no medical problems that might make
the surgery difficult. If you have cancer or kidney
problems, you may not qualify for an LVAD.
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meetings. You will have X-rays, lab tests and other
tests to check your organs. If you have already
completed some of the tests, we may not need to
repeat them.
You will meet with a heart doctor (cardiologist),
heart surgeon, dietician and other specialists. You
will also meet with a psychologist and a social
worker to discuss:
The support group meets every Thursday from 12
noon to 1 p.m. Go to the Bridges Board Room, on
the 8th floor of the main hospital. If you cannot
attend this group, our social worker may help you
find another group in your area.
Are there different kinds of LVADs?
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use two devices:
t Thoratec HeartMate II. This is FDA-approved
for patients awaiting heart transplant. It is in
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last about 8 to 10 years. For more information,
go to www.Thoratec.com.
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and finances
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after surgery, so you will have a good outcome.
When will I know if I qualify for an LVAD?
After your evaluation, the LVAD team will discuss
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you when a decision has been made.
What is the Transplant / LVAD Support Group?
This support group is open to anyone who:
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transplant,
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provides a chance for patients and families to share
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t HeartWare. This is in clinical trials for patients
awaiting heart transplant. For more information,
go to XXX)FBSU8BSFDPm.
If you receive a device that is in clinical trials, you
will need to come to the clinic more often for
checkups. If you receive an FDA-approved device, we
will ask you to add your name to a national registry.
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drainage tubes).
As with any mechanical device, the LVAD will
need to be replaced at some point. This will require
another LVAD surgery.
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your abdomen (belly) and connects to your
system controller.
What happens when the device is implanted?
You will need to have open-heart surgery. Surgery
may last 4 to 6 hours.
During this time, you will be on a heart-lung bypass
machine. This machine will take over the function
of your heart and lungs.
The surgeon will make an incision (cut) down your
sternum (breastbone). The cut runs down the center
of your chest, from the top of your chest to the
bottom of your ribs.
Incision
What can I expect after surgery?
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unit). You may or may not be awake during this
time. You will have:
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connected to a breathing machine (ventilator).
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your arms or hands.
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You will receive pain medicine to keep you
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tube within the first day or so after surgery. After
that, we will move you to a regular hospital room.
You will likely stay in the hospital for two to
three weeks. Your stay may be shorter or longer
depending on your health before the surgery.
As you recover, we will teach you and your family
how to change your bandages and manage your
equipment. You will have several teaching sessions.
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the hospital.
After you leave, you will return to the clinic
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a local motel or apartment for two weeks. If needed,
a social worker will help you find a place to stay.
Your LVAD team will decide when you can go back
home again.
Back at home, you will need the help of a caregiver
24 hours a day. Plan on having a caregiver for at one
to three months. As you heal, you should need less
care over time.
What problems might occur after surgery?
t Infection around the driveline or at your surgery
site. You must do all that you can to prevent
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check your driveline and surgery sites each day.
Signs of infection include redness, swelling,
warmth, draining fluid and increasing pain.
t Bleeding. You may need to take blood-thinning
medicine (warfarin) to prevent blood clots.
This increases your risk of bleeding. If you take
warfarin, you will have regular blood tests to
make sure you have a safe level of medicine in
your blood.
t Heart rhythm problems. After surgery, you may
notice irregular heartbeats. This is common. If it
happens, call your LVAD team.
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not interfere with your LVAD.
t Blood clots. A clot can cause a stroke, heart
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your risk of blood clots, you will need to take a
blood thinner and aspirin each day.
t Pump failure. In rare cases, the pump may fail.
If this occurs, you will need surgery to replace
the pump.
What medicines will I need to take after surgery?
You will keep taking medicines for heart failure, but
your doses may decrease. You may also start bloodthinning medicines such as warfarin and aspirin.
How often will I come back to the clinic?
This depends on the type of device you have and
whether you are waiting for a heart transplant.
If waiting for a transplant (BTT patients):
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team will decide how often you should return
to the clinic. For most patients, this is every
3 to 6 months.
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– at weeks 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8, then
– each month for one year, then
– every other month until transplant.
For those who will not have a transplant (DT
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will need to return every month for two years.
During clinic visits, you will see your heart doctor
or surgeon and your LVAD coordinator. You will
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driveline and how well your LVAD is working.
What else should I know about LVADs?
If you have an LVAD, you cannot bathe or swim. It
will damage your LVAD and may cause it to stop.
You should also avoid boating—if the boat tips over,
the water will put you at risk. You may shower only
after we show you how to protect your LVAD.
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bandage supplies and getting to and from the clinic.
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please speak with our financial representative or
Social Services department.
Once you return home, you will need to see your
family doctor on a regular basis.
Who should I call with questions?
Mechanical Circulatory Support Program
Mayo C652, MMC 811
420 Delaware Street SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Fax: 612-273-4779
www.fairview.org
Your LVAD team will answer any questions you
may have. If you have any problems, you may
contact an on-call coordinator 24 hours a day.
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For informational purposes only. Not to replace the advice of your health care provider. Text copyright © 2009 Fairview Health Services. All rights reserved.
HeartMate II art © Thoratec Corporation; HeartWare image © HeartWare International, Inc. Used with permission. SMARTworks 521047 – 11/09.