“This Was Not What I Had in Mind,” and Other Palliative Challenges Encountered in Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) Care (TH321)

With the evolution and growing availability of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) technology for patients with advanced heart failure come new frontiers for palliative care (PC) teams. Although data demonstrates that MCS devices, including left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), can improve survival and quality-of-life for patients with advanced heart failure, patients remain at risk for catastrophic events, like stroke or hemorrhage, persistent functional decline, or progression of other life-threatening medical conditions.

Source: Journal of Pain and Symptom Management - January 29, 2016 Category: Palliative Care Authors: J. Hunter Groninger, George Ruiz, Joan Panke, Anne Kelemen Source Type: research