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Published on: May 11, 2018
Chronic Heart Failure Treatment With the Left Ventricular Assist Device
Theresa Capriotti1, Morgan Micari
1Theresa Capriotti, DO, MSN, CRNP, is a Clinical Associate Professor, Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania. Morgan Micari is an Honors student, Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania.
Insights
The number of chronic heart failure patients is rising. Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are now a primary treatment, shifting from temporary use to a heart transplant alternative, requiring healthcare professional education.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Devices
- Nursing Care
Background:
- Increasing prevalence of chronic heart failure (CHF) in the US.
- Aging population and improved survival of cardiac events contribute to CHF rise.
- Traditional treatment for end-stage heart failure involved heart transplantation with donor waiting lists.
Purpose of the Study:
- To inform home healthcare nurses and clinicians about left ventricular assist devices (LVADs).
- To explain the evolving role of LVADs as a primary treatment for end-stage heart failure.
- To provide essential knowledge for managing patients with LVADs.
Main Methods:
- Review of LVAD technology and clinical applications.
- Analysis of LVADs as an alternative to heart transplantation.
- Discussion of nursing implications for home healthcare.
Main Results:
- Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are increasingly chosen over heart transplantation.
- LVADs provide mechanical circulatory support for end-stage heart failure.
- Familiarity with LVADs is crucial for effective patient care.
Conclusions:
- LVADs represent a significant advancement in managing end-stage heart failure.
- Home healthcare providers must understand LVADs' function, complications, and care requirements.
- This knowledge empowers nurses to provide optimal care for LVAD patients.
Abstract:
The prevalence of chronic heart failure is increasing in the United States due to the increase in the number of older adults and because many people are surviving acute cardiac events and living longer with chronic heart disease. In end-stage heart failure, heart transplant was once the gold standard of treatment and patients had to wait for a matching heart donor. In the past, the left ventricular assist device (LVAD) was a mechanical circulatory support treatment used temporarily for those awaiting heart transplant. However, the LVAD is increasingly becoming the chosen treatment of patients in lieu of heart transplant. Home healthcare nurses and clinicians need to be familiar with LVADs in order to care for patients in end-stage heart failure who are using these devices. This article explains the mechanism, potential complications, and nursing implications of caring for the patient who is using an LVAD.
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