How to diagnose and manage emergency medical conditions in patients on left ventricular assist device support: A clinician's field guide
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Updated: Jun 5, 2025

Insertion, Maintenance, and Removal of the Percutaneous Dual Lumen Cannula Right Ventricular Assist Device
Published on: July 20, 2022
Maya Guglin1, Joshua R Hirsch2, Tanyanan Tanawuttiwat1
1Indiana University School of Medicine, 1801 Senate Blvd Suite 2000, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
Abstract:
Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have revolutionized the treatment of advanced heart failure, providing mechanical circulatory support for patients awaiting heart transplantation or as destination therapy. However, patients on LVAD support are susceptible to a range of emergency medical conditions that require prompt recognition, intervention, and multidisciplinary management. This review paper aims to provide an algorithmic approach and a field guide on the diagnosis and management of emergency medical conditions in LVAD patients, including LVAD alarms, gastrointestinal bleeding, cerebrovascular accidents, pump thrombosis and obstruction, unresponsiveness, and electrical shock by the defibrillator. By understanding the mechanisms, clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and therapeutic strategies associated with these conditions, healthcare providers can improve patient outcomes and optimize LVAD care.
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