EMCrit Podcast EMCrit 334 - CV-EMCrit - Concise HeartMate 3 LVAD Overview
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Oct 7, 2022 
Trina Augustin, a cardiovascular intensivist and LVAD expert, shares her insights on the HeartMate 3 device. She discusses its revolutionary role in advanced heart failure management and the increasing need for alternative solutions due to a shortage of transplants. Key topics include managing emergencies with LVAD patients, unique challenges in assessing vital signs, and best practices for preventing complications. Trina also emphasizes the significance of teamwork among healthcare providers to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
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Vital Signs in LVAD Patients
- Obtain a return to flow (RTF) perfusion check, equivalent to MAP, using a manual cuff and Doppler or ultrasound.
- If the patient is unstable, quickly place an arterial line for accurate MAP, blood gas analysis, and saturation monitoring.
Call for Expert Help
- Immediately contact the LVAD coordinator or center.
- They can help troubleshoot alarms, guide management, and facilitate transfer to a specialized center.
HeartMate 3 Artificial Pulse
- HeartMate 3 has 'artificial pulse' but it's not synced with the patient's intrinsic heart rate.
- This pulsatility helps prevent clot formation but isn't reliable for palpating a pulse, though may improve pulse oximetry readings.