We may come across patients with Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs), either in the prehospital or interhospital setting. Prehospital & retrieval medicine practitioners should have a basic understanding of how they function,  what can go wrong, and how to troubleshoot in emergencies.

These two talks by HEMS Physician Chris Partyka will take you through the essentials:

Further Reading:

Chris’ blog post at The Blunt Dissection

Case report from the ED ECMO guys on use of CPR in VAD patients.

LifeInTheFastLane on VADs with multiple other links.

EMCrit on VADs

EMS Field Guide to VADs

Mechanical circulatory assist devices: a primer for critical care and emergency physicians

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Adults and Children With Mechanical Circulatory Support: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association