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.

Home Healthcare Now
|July 6, 2019
PubMed

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.

Related Concept Videos

Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology01:29

Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology

Systolic Heart Failure and Compensatory MechanismsSystolic heart failure (also termed HFrEF, Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) is the most prevalent type of heart filure. It results in a decreased volume of blood being pumped from the ventricle. The aortic arch and carotid sinuses have baroreceptors that detect reduced blood pressure, triggering the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to release epinephrine and norepinephrine. Initially, this response aims to boost heart rate and...
790
Pathophysiology of Heart Failure01:17

Pathophysiology of Heart Failure

Heart failure (HF) is a progressive syndrome involving ventricles that leads to inadequate cardiac output. It can be classified based on location and output or ejection fraction. Ejection fraction (EF) is an essential measurement in the diagnosis and surveillance of HF. Reduced EF corresponds to systolic heart failure (HFrEF). However, HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is becoming increasingly prevalent. Also known as diastolic HF, this form of HF is related to aging. The...
3.0K
Heart Failure I: Introduction01:27

Heart Failure I: Introduction

Heart failure refers to a clinical syndrome caused by structural or functional cardiac disorders that prevent the heart from pumping an adequate amount of blood to meet the body's metabolic needs. This condition often arises from myocardial infarction or ischemia, leading to decreased cardiac output, reduced tissue perfusion, impaired gas exchange, fluid volume imbalance, and decreased functional ability.Heart failure can result from disruptions in the mechanisms that regulate cardiac output...
729
Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies01:22

Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies

Additional therapies for treating patients with heart failure (HF) may include procedural interventions, supplemental oxygen, the management of sleep disorders, and nutritional therapy.Procedural InterventionsImplantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator: For patients at risk of life-threatening arrhythmias due to severe left ventricular dysfunction, an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) can detect and terminate these arrhythmias, preventing sudden cardiac death and improving survival rates.
278
Heart Failure Drugs: Diuretics01:22

Heart Failure Drugs: Diuretics

Heart failure and kidney perfusion are interconnected in a complex way. Reduced renal perfusion and venous congestion are two significant factors that contribute to renal dysfunction in heart failure. The kidneys, primarily responsible for fluid balance in the body, are adversely affected due to compromised cardiac output and increased venous pressure. In response to reduced renal perfusion, the kidneys activate neurohumoral mechanisms to restore balance. However, these mechanisms can be...
825
Heart Failure V: Medical Management01:30

Heart Failure V: Medical Management

Medical Management of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (ADHF)The primary goals of therapy for patients hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) include:Relieving symptomsOptimizing volume statusSupporting oxygenation and ventilationMaintaining cardiac output (CO) and end-organ perfusionIdentifying and addressing the cause of ADHFPreventing complicationsProviding patient education on factors precipitating HF exacerbationPlanning for dischargeOngoing monitoring and assessment...
227