Left Ventricular Assist Device LVAD
by Nicholas Boggs
1. Condition of Patient
1.1. Patients are normally pulseless; however, pump setting does have a pulsate feature.
1.2. No blood pressure can be obtained because pulse is always absent.
1.3. Pulse ox readings are inaccurate because of poor circulation to capillary beds.
2. EMS Considerations
2.1. Obtaining a history on these patients is critical in formulating a treatment plan for these patients.
2.2. Along with a standard assessment, taking note of the vent settings should be of the up most importance.
2.3. CPR
2.3.1. NEVER do chest compressions of these patients because it could dislodging the pump resulting in irreversible internal bleeding.
2.3.2. In the event that patient is in need of CPR only run a chemical code based on ACLS protocols.
2.3.3. Avoid using AED on LVAD patients because they do not have synchronized heart rates; therefore, AED could advise to shock when no shock is needed.