Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2025

Use of a Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Device/Left Atrium to Femoral Artery Bypass System for Cardiogenic Shock
Published on: August 16, 2021
Considerations of Left Ventricular Assist Device Therapy in the United States' Prison System
Peter M Eckman1, Navin Rajagopalan2, Joan Henriksen3
1Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute, Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Abstract:
Left ventricular assist device therapy for advanced heart failure is contraindicated if a patient lives in an unsafe environment and recent guidelines declare that "legal history is pertinent for determining personal constraints or financial responsibilities due to parole requirements, pending charges, and possible imprisonment," implying that incarceration would be a contraindication. International guidelines and precedent in the United States establish that medical care for incarcerated persons should match access in the community. We present a case example and practical considerations for advanced heart failure programs faced with the challenge of partnering with patients with heart failure who may be incarcerated and their correctional health systems in the care of their chronic condition. We encourage the heart failure community to not let incarceration be a contraindication to left ventricular assist device therapy.
Related Concept Videos
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care
Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Heart Failure V: Medical Management

