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Updated: Jan 26, 2026

Use of a Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Device/Left Atrium to Femoral Artery Bypass System for Cardiogenic Shock
Published on: August 16, 2021
Family caregiver-reported outcomes regarding decision-making for left ventricular assist device implantation
Barbara Birriel1, Windy Alonso2, Lisa A Kitko3
1The Pennsylvania State University, College of Nursing, 90 Hope Drive, 1300 Academic Support Building / A110, Hershey, PA 17033, United States.
Background:
Family caregivers (FCGs) often participate in the decision for their loved one to receive a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). Little is known about the contribution of FCGs to this complex decision.
Objectives:
To investigate family caregiver-reported outcomes related to decision-making for LVAD implantation and their experiences post-implantation.
Methods:
Descriptive thematic analysis was used to analyze longitudinal data. Thematic saturation was achieved.
Results:
Three key themes emerged from the data. The main theme in the pre-implantation period was: Not a decision. The two themes in the post-implantation period were: More satisfaction than regret and Unanticipated situational change.
Conclusions:
Family caregiver-reported outcomes inform clinical practice and future research. FCGs of LVAD recipients did not see viable alternatives to LVAD implantation, were generally satisfied with post-implantation outcomes, and experienced unexpected life changes in the post-implantation period despite feeling prepared preoperatively. Education of both LVAD recipients and their FCGs must be optimized.
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