title: [Ventricular assist device as alternative to heart transplant in a hospitalized patient in an intensive care unit: clinical case].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To present and analyze a clinical case that addresses the care plan for a patient with permanent ventricular assist in an intensive care unit (ICU). CLINICAL CASE PRESENTATION: A 65-year-old man admitted to an ICU in a tertiary teaching hospital in September 2011 after receiving an implant of a permanent ventricular assist device (Heartmate II).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The case analysis has been structured into 3 categories identified in the review of the literature: prevention of risks and complications, management of the device and health education.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study shows the importance of establishing a protocolized care plan for the patients who are carriers of permanent ventricular assist in the ICU. This would avoid postoperative complications, reduce costs and hospitalization time.
authors: Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos, Clínica Universitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, España. rrincon@unav.es
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Rincón Burgui
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Jimeno San Martín
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Elorza Mateos
authors: P
authors: P
authors: López Alfaro
authors: M M
authors: MM
authors: Sarasa Monreal
authors: M I
authors: MI
authors: Pardavila
authors: M
authors: M
authors: del Barrio Linares
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003422:Critical Care; D016027:Heart Transplantation; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D008297:Male