Quality of life with ventricular assist devices

Experience with over 1000 Implanted Ventricular Assist Devices

“…Moreover, implantation in stable patients mostly allows the use of an implantable LVAD even in the case of pulmonary hypertension, 37 with subsequently better survival and better quality of life. The survival rates after HTx in patients with and without previous VAD implantation are, in our experience, 35 similar (Fig. 4).…”

“…Routine follow‐up including echocardiographic studies should be performed after device removal. If necessary, the patients presenting deterioration of myocardial function should be referred for HTx 33‐35 …”

“…If necessary, the patients presenting deterioration of myocardial function should be referred for HTx. [33][34][35]…”

“…16,38,39 In the 1980s we strove for high urgency transplantation immediately after VAD implantation. With increased understanding of shock pathophysiology and improvements in VAD technology leading to a subsequent decrease in the complication rates (e.g., bleeding and thromboembolism), 35,40,41 and, more importantly, having seen a number of donor organs wasted in recipients with multiorgan failure, we changed our strategy in favor of HTx in VAD patients in stable hemodynamic condition, with normal organ function and preferably discharged home. These patients are on the normal waiting list and acquire high-urgency status only if VAD complications occur.…”

Outpatients on Biventricular Assist Devices

“…Following the time of assist implantation, the patient passes through three psychological phases [9]. The first phase (Figure 2) is the time of recovery from secondary multiorgan failure.…”