EMCrit RACC
EMCrit 334 – CV-EMCrit - By Katrina Augustin - October 07, 2022
Due to the improving LVAD design, decrease in adverse effects, and increased indications for LVAD implantation—patients with these devices are increasing in prevalence. Hence, it is imperative that emergency providers can not only troubleshoot these devices but also treat emergent pathology that arises…
Take Home messages:
- Contact the patient’s LVAD coordinator or nearest LVAD center EARLY
- For patients presenting in extremis—always trouble shoot the LVAD first
- LVAD patients in cardiac arrest with a non-functional LVAD should be treated with standard ACLS including CPR and defibrillation
- Consider ECMO in LVAD patients in extremis who are bridge to transplant