Left Ventricular Assist Device
What is a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD)
A Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) is a mechanical pump that helps the left ventricle of the heart circulate blood to the rest of the body. It’s used in patients with severe heart failure when the heart is too weak to pump effectively.
Next
Why do people get LVADs?
- Waiting for a heart transplant
- Bridge for temporary heart failure
BP:
- Will only be able to get a MAP
- Use a manual cuff to 120 mmhg
- Doppler*
SpO2:
- Will most likely not read accurately.
HR:
- No palpable pulse, but will have ECG reading (assist device)
The patient is awake and breathing when you arrive. He tells you that he is feeling weak and dizzy. The medics arrive and start to assess his LVAD device. They ask your crew to get them a set of vitals.
- Mental status
- Skin signs
- MAP ≤ 50 and/or EtCO2 ≤ 20
First 90 Days: Bleeding
Contact the LVAD coordinator!
The patient is a 52 y/o F who was recently placed on an LVAD while waiting for a heart transplant. She has been feeling sick and has passed out twice before you arrived on scene. She is pale an diaphoretic. What does your assessment of this patient look like?
After 90 Days: Infection
Make sure batteries are charged and feeding to controller.
Assess the controller for any error codes or alarms. This will also show the battery levels. This will also show the type of LVAD.
Check the driveline to make sure connection is secure and look for signs of infection.
Patient Contact
Prior to Arrival
- Call LVAD Support
- Assess mental status
- ABCs
- Infection
- Assess pump
- Check driveline for connection and infection
- What kind of device is it? (MDT/EMD)
- Access LVAD Guide (iPad or print)
Circulation, Infection, Pump Problem
Mental status, Airway, Breathing Problem
- LVAD Support
- EMS Field Guide
- Is this caused by circulation issue or pump?
- Manage A&B
Bring extra batteries and charger to ER with the patient!
LVAD Components
LVAD CE
Ian Sharp
Created on October 2, 2025
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Transcript
Left Ventricular Assist Device
What is a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD)
A Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) is a mechanical pump that helps the left ventricle of the heart circulate blood to the rest of the body. It’s used in patients with severe heart failure when the heart is too weak to pump effectively.
Next
Why do people get LVADs?
BP:
SpO2:
HR:
The patient is awake and breathing when you arrive. He tells you that he is feeling weak and dizzy. The medics arrive and start to assess his LVAD device. They ask your crew to get them a set of vitals.
First 90 Days: Bleeding
Contact the LVAD coordinator!
The patient is a 52 y/o F who was recently placed on an LVAD while waiting for a heart transplant. She has been feeling sick and has passed out twice before you arrived on scene. She is pale an diaphoretic. What does your assessment of this patient look like?
After 90 Days: Infection
Make sure batteries are charged and feeding to controller.
Assess the controller for any error codes or alarms. This will also show the battery levels. This will also show the type of LVAD.
Check the driveline to make sure connection is secure and look for signs of infection.
Patient Contact
Prior to Arrival
Circulation, Infection, Pump Problem
Mental status, Airway, Breathing Problem
Bring extra batteries and charger to ER with the patient!
LVAD Components