Over 5 million Americans suffer from heart failure with many of them awaiting transplants from a declining donor pool. Ventricular assist devices (VADs) are now able to prolong their lives until a heart transplant is available or indefinitely. These pumps vary in design and function with some patients presenting with a pulse while others presenting without. The standard medical assessment techniques are questionable at best, typically falling short of useful. Through a case study analysis approach, invaluable solutions, emerging policies, and evidence based practice will be provided to caring for ventricular assist devices in the emergency and critical care setting. At the completion of this presentation, the learner will be able to: differentiate the different types of VADs, identify common patient care scenarios with the VADs and list 10 questions to ask yourself before caring for any ambulatory VAD patient.
Presented by Allen C. Wolfe Jr., MSN, CNS, APRN, CFRN, CCRN, CTRN, CMTE
The Air & Surface Transport Nurses Association is a nonprofit member organization whose mission is to advance the practice of transport nursing and enhance the quality of patient care through commitment to safety and education.
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