Abstract

The perioperative management of patients with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) presents a whole set of challenges to the nurses at the bedside and outpatient settings.¹ Despite the remarkable advancements in technology, the care of patients following LVAD implant remains complex for the multidisciplinary healthcare team. This presentation provides a brief overview of the currently used durable LVAD designs worldwide. These include axial (HeartMate II^TM) and magnetic flow levitation (HeartMate 3^TM and HeartWare HVAD®) LVADs.² Discussion of the nursing management of patients post-LVAD implant in the critical care, progressive care, and in the outpatient care settings will be approached at conceptual level. This approach will equip the participant with a ‘thinking framework’ guiding his/her actions in caring for LVAD patients. Salient nursing actions include early detection and management of post-surgical complications, device-related complications, heart failure symptom exacerbations, infection, among others. The nurse’s role in helping patients attain an optimum level of functioning post-implantation during hospitalisation and the impact of the nurse in supporting patients (and caregivers) to attain an increase in quality of life are highlighted.