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Updated: May 31, 2026

Implantation of Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) in Juvenile Landrace Swine: A LVAD Implantation Model of Pediatric Heart Failure
Published on: January 16, 2026
Lifestyle adjustments of adults with long-term implantable left ventricular assist devices: a phenomenologic inquiry
Jesus M Casida1, Linda Marcuccilli, Rosalind M Peters
1College of Nursing, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan 48202, USA. jcasida@wayne.edu
Objective:
To explore and describe the lifestyle adjustments made by adult recipients of a long-term implantable left ventricular assist device (LVAD).
Methods:
A phenomenologic inquiry was used to uncover the lifestyle adjustments of 7 men and 2 women, ages 31 to 70 years, who had an LVAD for more than 3 months after hospital discharge.
Results:
An overarching theme, "adjustment takes time," represents the lifestyle adjustments of the study participants. Early adjustment was highlighted by participants' concerns with physical, psychologic, and environmental aspects, whereas late adjustment was highlighted by behaviors associated with acceptance of the LVAD as an integral component of their bodies and lives.
Conclusion:
This study provides insight into the patient's perspective regarding the challenges faced in living with an LVAD. The findings inform health care providers in the acute and critical care settings in assisting patients to positively adjust with the lifestyle imposed by an LVAD.
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