Left Ventricular Assist Devices in the ED – Post Test

The LVAD is typically implanted into the thorax, attaching between the:

The LVAD generates continuous flow. The patient with a LVAD is likely to have which of the following: (select all that apply)

 Indications for LVAD therapy in the NHS are:

(select all that apply)

Regarding arrhythmias in LVAD patients which of the following are true?

(select all that apply)

Common sources of bleeding in LVAD patients are:

(select all that apply)

Regarding ischaemic strokes in LVAD patients:

In a LVAD patient with thoracic trauma:  which xrays may be required?

(select all that apply)

You are called to a collapsed patient with an LVAD. He is unresponsive with no pulse and taking agonal gasps. You listen over his heart and do not hear anything. There is a loud alarm from his controller. What are your next two steps?

(select all that apply)

The LVAD is restarted and the patient is conscious. His ECG shows Ventricular tachycardia. What is your main priority now?

Whilst waiting for the ambulance to arrive for the transfer, your patients MAP begins to drop, and he loses consciousness. What is your priority now?