Authors

• Dragana Jurčić — Dubrava University Hospital, Zagreb, Croatia — ORCID: 0000-0003-2926-1258
• Milka Grubišić — Dubrava University Hospital, Zagreb, Croatia — ORCID: 0000-0003-2092-5396
• Paula Filar — Dubrava University Hospital, Zagreb, Croatia — ORCID: 0009-0006-6077-1802

Keywords

advanced heart failure, left ventricular assist device, nursing care

DOI

Full Text

The use of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) in the treatment of advanced heart failure (HF) has grown exponentially in the last 15 years. The left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is today the most used therapeutic option for MCS in patients with advanced HF. It is used in carefully selected patients as bridging therapy until heart transplantation or destination therapy. The care of this group of patients is complex and requires an individual approach from a multidisciplinary team. The paper will present key aspects of nursing care for patients after LVAD implantation. Caring for LVAD patients is a challenge in nursing and requires specific knowledge and a range of skills. Nurses have an important role in monitoring vital functions, taking care of the exit site and immobilizing the percutaneous cable, controlling INR, and applying anticoagulant therapy, as well as continuous monitoring of the parameters of the pump and daily checks of the device and accompanying apparatus. The role of the nurse in the education of the patient and family is emphasized, as is the role in achieving optimal mobilization and independence, as well as providing psychological and emotional support. Through continuous monitoring, education, and support, nurses play an important role in improving the quality of life of patients. Also, teamwork and a multidisciplinary approach are essential in achieving comprehensive and individualized care for patients with LVAD. (1, 2)

Literature

1. Breathett K, Allen LA, Ambardekar AV. Patient-centered care for left ventricular assist device therapy: current challenges and future directions. Curr Opin Cardiol. 2016 May;31(3):313–20. https://doi.org/10.1097/HCO.0000000000000279
2. Ben Gal T, Ben Avraham B, Milicic D, Crespo-Leiro MG, Coats AJS, Rosano G, et al. Guidance on the management of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) supported patients for the non-LVAD specialist healthcare provider: executive summary. Eur J Heart Fail. 2021 October;23(10):1597–609. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejhf.2327