[Support for temporary homecoming of a patient with ventricular assist device]

A 19-year-old woman suffered from fulminant myocarditis by Mycoplasma infection, and intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP) and percutaneous cardiopulmonary support (PCPS) were initiated. As the cardiac function was not recovered, the ventricular assist device (VAS) was implanted. Rehabilitation training was started such as maintaining standing position at the bedside, and walking. The preparatory training program for homecoming was conducted twice with VAS. She strongly hoped for participation of coming-of-age ceremony in Tachikawa City that is 3 hours' drive from our hospital. The patient stayed 1 night at home with a doctor and a medical engineer. There was no adverse event. In Japan, the community support of patients with VAS is not yet established and we hope that our experience will be of some help in supporting the homecoming of patients with VAS.