Management of Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Device during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease with multi-organ involvement, including the cardiovascular system. The disease may cause several cardiovascular complications, and may increase morbidity and mortality among patients with background cardiovascular disease. Patients with advanced heart failure are often treated with left ventricular assist device (LVAD), and represent a unique population mandating multi-disciplinary approach. Several aspects of COVID-19 should be taken into account in LVAD implants, including right ventricular involvement, hemodynamic alterations, thromboembolic and haemorrhagic complications, and the psychological effects of social isolation. Patients with VAD and suspected COVID-19 should be transferred to specialized centers for better management of complications. Here, we review the implications of COVID-19 pandemic on LVAD patients with our recommendations for appropriate management.

Ventricular Assist Devices: Challenges of the One-device Era

“…Remote, secure bi-directional communication between patients and LVAD clinics should be arranged so this vulnerable population is not exposed to the risks from attending a healthcare institution’. [ 31 , 32 ] A multidisciplinary healthcare team including an LVAD coordinator, nurse and physician should be prepared and trained for this purpose.…”