title: Long-distance transportation of patients with a paracorporeal left ventricular assist device.
abstract: Patients in cardiogenic shock refractory to basic medical therapy may require specialised assistance in a multispeciality environment distant to the institution where they are first admitted. In such situations, transportation of these critical patients may be difficult and involve many risks. Here we describe the case histories of two patients who underwent implantation of a paracorporeal left ventricular assist device and were transferred to specialised institutions for extended treatment. The distance of transportation was 400 km and the patients were transported by ambulance and helicopter. Some aspects of logistics and complexity of long-distance transportation are also commented on.
authors.affiliation: Cardiovascular Surgery Department, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, University of Murcia, Spain.
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Mestres
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sánchez-Martos
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rodríguez-Ribó
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dávalos
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Galcerá
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fuentes
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000401:Aircraft; D000552:Ambulances; D005260:Female; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012770:Shock, Cardiogenic / Q000628:therapy; D013030:Spain; D014187:Transportation of Patients / Q000379:methods*