title: Successful trans-Atlantic air ambulance transfer of a patient supported by a bi-ventricular assist device.
abstract: The ventricular assist device (VAD) is a hemodynamic support device that augments cardiac output for patients with severe ventricular dysfunction. With improved reliability and technological advances, the use of VADs to support patients is increasing. Many VAD-dependent patients ultimately require heart transplants that are only available in specialized centers, necessitating an interhospital transfer. To date there are few reports of long-distance fixed wing aeromedical transport of patients dependent on a VAD. Here we describe the successful transfer of a patient supported by a biventricular assist device (BiVAD) from Cambridge, UK, to Durham, NC, via fixed-wing jet aircraft. During this transfer, we observed hemodynamic alterations secondary to gravitational forces, which should be anticipated and may be mitigated with simple maneuvers. With high-level logistical planning and appropriate medical oversight, patients dependant on BiVADs can be safely transported by fixed wing aircraft over long distances.
authors.affiliation: International SOS, Trevose, PA 19053,
authors.forename: Neilson
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: McLean
authors.forename: Ryan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Copeland
authors.forename: Neil
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Casey
authors.forename: Gordon
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Samoukovic
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Quigley
mesh_terms: D054058:Acute Coronary Syndrome / Q000628:therapy; D017732:Air Ambulances; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018754:Ventricular Dysfunction / Q000628:therapy*