Stuff to know for LVADers and LVADees

Emergency bag

 

has to be with you "at all times" - ours contains the following:

1.  Emergency procedures card

2.  Stethoscope 

3.  Extra controller

4.  Two batteries at their fullest charge

5.  Latest medications list

6.  Extra little round battery for the controller itself.

7.  Transplant Pager (attached to strap)

Dressing Changing

In the Intermountain Medical Center Heart/Lung unit they recommend changing the bandage once every three days.  Places vary, geographically, on the type of products they use and recommended times for changing

1.  2 face masks

2.  2 hair covers

3.  exam gloves for set up

4.  sterile gloves

5.  3 packages (2 each) Kendall Q-tips (sterile)

6.  1 package (10 sponges) 4 x 4 12 ply (sterile) Accu-Sorb

7.  1 Tegaderm Foam Adhesive

8.  1 sterile 10 ml syringe

9.  2 Power sterile cups 90 ml (1 for chlorhexidine - 1 for sterile water

10. 2 or 3 Tegaderm Film

11. 1 3M Cavilon No Sting Barrier Film (lollipop)

LVAD Fact Sheet
http://www.thoratec.com/downloads/LVAD-FactSheet.pdf

Original FDA approval letter for the HeartMate II 
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/DeviceApprovalsandClearances/Recently-ApprovedDevices/ucm074231.htm 

Heartmate II - Instructions for Use - pdf file (113 pages)

http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf6/P060040c.pdf

Considering Traveling - Check Out Where There ARE LVAD Centers:  (Ever heard of a country named "Reunion" - just kind of interesting looking at it - 2500 sq miles - but has an LVAD Center)
http://www.thoratec.com/patients-caregivers/find-a-center.aspx

Other LVAD blogs:

Tracy Riepl:  http://livingwithanlvad.blogspot.com/2011/06/celebrate-life-donate-blood-rock-on.html


Jamie Burns Pejo:  http://heartslvadsandlifeohmy.blogspot.com/2011/06/welcome-back.html


Michael-Joshua Morris (aka LVADone):  http://fromthebottomofmylvad.blogspot.com

Mac Sinclair: (sorry to report that Mac has passed away, but he pioneered the way for the rest of us - We miss you Mac)  http://heartmateii.blogspot.com/2011/03/tough-times-at-shands.html


The Bruns Family:  http://brunsfamilyfun.blogspot.com/2011/04/easter-2011.html


Monica McFarlan:  http://monicasheart.blogspot.com/2011/06/brighton-my-day.html


Karl Heinz (in German):  http://www.eichler-ac.de/

If you have a blog that isn't listed here - please let me know so I can add yours to this list, and follow your story.