Managing the post-left ventricular assist device patient.
The implantation of ventricular assist devices allows the opportunity for patients with intractable heart failure to have improved quality and quantity of life. The devices may be implanted after failed attempts to wean from bypass, as a bridge to transplantation, or as destination therapy. Key issues following the implantation of assist devices include the prevention of right ventricular failure, appropriate pharmacologic management, prevention and management of infection, and detection and treatment of device dysfunction.
Department of Surgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA. klodell@surgery.ufl.edu
Charles T
CT
Klodell
Edward D
ED
Staples
Juan M
JM
Aranda
Richard S
RS
Schofield
James A
JA
Hill
Daniel F
DF
Pauly
Thomas M
TM
Beaver
D001243:Assisted Circulation; D002303:Cardiac Output, Low; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D006352:Heart Ventricles / Q000601:surgery; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans; D011182:Postoperative Care; D013997:Time Factors; D018487:Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*