• Lydia C Newsom and Christopher A Paciullo.
• Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, Georgia and Mercer University College of Pharmacy, Atlanta, Georgia.
• Adv Emerg Nurs J. 2013 Oct 1; 35 (4): 293-300; quiz 301-2.

AbstractImplantation of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) is becoming more common with the advancement of mechanical circulatory support technology and the continued insufficient number of organ donors available for heart transplantation. Modern LVADs provide a mechanically induced, nonpulsatile, continuous blood flow that drastically alters the hemodynamic and coagulation profile of patients using these devices. In addition to the risk of bleeding and thrombotic events, LVAD support can also lead to arrhythmias and infection. Although LVAD therapy can prolong life, the majority of patients will experience an adverse event following implantation and many of these complications can result in emergency department visits. By understanding the pathophysiology and management of LVAD complications, emergency nurses will be able to provide prompt and quality care for this unique patient population.

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