Page 189 - Business Development Orientation Binder

4/10/2019

What you need to know: Complications

 Infection
The leading cause of death in LVAD patients
Driveline exit sites are a major source of infection

 Preventing Infection

The driveline dressing change is a sterile technique
Driveline exit sites should be covered with a clean,

dry gauze dressing
Field clinicians will ensure that the drive line stays
clean and dry
Always use good hand hygiene
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What you need to know: Complications

 Device Failure

This is a true emergency requiring immediate transport
to the implanting LVAD center

Patients & caregivers are trained to identify signs and
symptoms of device failure

Clinicians should instruct patient/caregiver on

management of the LVAD at home

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