Ventricular assist devices for the failing heart: a nursing focus

The last decade has witnessed phenomenal advances in the therapies available for critically ill patients, especially for those patients in circulatory failure. This paper presents an overview of mechanical assist devices, focusing on the use of ventricular assist for the failing heart. From a basic review of cardiac failure, the principles of ventricular assist and the indications for its use are examined. After reviewing the ventricular assist devices currently available, the discussion moves to the expert nursing skills required by a patient receiving ventricular assist therapy. All aspects of clinical practice are discussed, with particular emphasis on the full use of assessment skills in order to facilitate care planning and ensure safe delivery of care. These expert nursing skills are considered within the framework of collaborative care. Patients needing ventricular assist may require some of the most advanced holistic nursing skills that critical care nurses possess.