Introduction; When Ventricular Assist Devices Are Indicated; Why You Should Read This Manual; Understanding How Your Heart Ware ® Ventricular Assist System Works - HeartWare Ventricular Assist System Patient Manual

HeartWare® Ventricular Assist System Patient Manual
2 INTRODUCTION
Congestive heart failure is a condition in which a heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the
body's needs. A failing heart works, but not as efficiently as it should. As blood flow leaving the
heart slows, blood flow returning to the heart will back‐up, causing congestion in the tissues. Along
with congestion in the tissues, swelling (edema) often results. Swelling most often occurs in the legs
and ankles but it can happen in other parts of the body, too. Fluid may collect in the lungs and
interfere with breathing, causing shortness of breath, especially when a person is lying down. Heart
failure also affects the kidneys' ability to dispose of waste and extra fluid. Fluid retained by the
kidneys increases swelling. People with heart failure cannot exert themselves because they become
short of breath and tired. With advanced heart failure, symptoms of tissue wasting and weight loss
can occur. Severe heart failure can progress to shock (shock due to inadequate oxygen and nutrients
delivered by the heart) and eventual death.
2.1 When Ventricular Assist Devices are Indicated
Doctors use VADs such as the HeartWare® System to treat patients who are waiting to receive a
heart transplant and have severe heart failure that has not improved despite using all other
treatment methods available.
The HeartWare® System should not be used in patients who cannot take blood thinning
medications.
2.2 Why You Should Read this Manual
This Patient Manual will tell you about your HeartWare® System and explain how it works. It also
provides information about proper care of the HeartWare® System and what to do in case of an
emergency.
In addition to this manual, your physician, nurse or VAD coordinator will provide you with
instructions on operating the HeartWare® System and on necessary medical care. Prior to leaving
the hospital you should understand how the HeartWare® System works, how to care for the
equipment and what to do in emergency situations. If you have any questions after reading this
manual, please ask your physician, nurse or VAD coordinator.
2.3 Understanding How Your HeartWare®
The HeartWare® System helps your weakened heart pump blood throughout your body. The pump,
called the HVAD® Pump, circulates blood by removing it from the left side of your heart and
pumping it into your aorta (large blood vessel that carries blood from your heart to the rest of your
body). The pump rests inside your chest and two small motors inside the pump circulate the blood
(Figure 1). A driveline (electrical wire) exits your skin and connects the pump to a controller. The
controller is powered by two batteries or a battery and electricity from the wall or car outlet. The
controller operates the pump and tells you if there are any problems with your system. The
controller and batteries are contained in a Carrying Case.
Ventricular Assist System Works
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