2 Years And 7 Months... LVAD Life As I Know It

At the risk of sounding redundant, quality of life couldnt be better for me.  I often think of how I felt prior to my LVAD implant in November 2009.  It is like night and day.  From very short distances of walking to almost unlimited amounts of walking. I have gone from a tentative Iron Man to a one that pushes my limits in an effort that safely tests my LVAD limits and my own Native Heart.

In FACT 2 days ago my wife and I walked close to 8 miles throughout Manhattan with approximately 3 1/2 miles of walking on the High Line in the Meat Packing District.  if you dont know what the High Line is, visit here: www.HighLine.Org

The High Line is truly an Oasis located on a former elevated Train line that the Meat Packing District used for deliveries.  It stands to be the most beautiful and innovative Boardwalk that I have ever walked on.  Views of the NYC and NJ skylines as well as interactive displays of nature... nestled between a beautifully landscape walk of Art, flowers, trees, grass, water.  The scent of the flowers almost blanket the entire walk from end to end. there is also a "river inspired" water display that tricks the mind into thinking we are at a river bank :-)

So, without my HeartMate II / LVAD things such as this i couldnt enjoy. I am blessed to be able to reap from the benefits of my HeartMate II

AND THE GOOD SAGA CONTINUES...

Today Is My 1 Year Anniversary With The LVAD / Can Not Become A Fish And Forget About The Water

As I write this, 1 year ago today, to the moment and the second... Dr Naka and his team implanted the LVAD into my chest and grafted it to my heart. I remember this day clearly. An hour prior to surgery, I was in my hospital bed preparing for the LVAD.

The night before my wife had brought in my hair buzzer. My only request to the nurses and doctors the morning of my surgery was being able to buzz/cut my own hair. Prior to my heart attack, i would be able to buzz my hair in under 10 minutes. On November 23, 2009 with a failing heart, it took me an hour to buzz my hair. But I did it!

Extremely fatigued and out of breath from buzzing my hair, I felt proud and accomplished that I completed what I set out to do... a fresh haircut for surgery.

:-) and 15 minutes later I was taken to surgery.

This past year has been a great gift of life for me. A second opportunity to live. A second opportunity to have a quality of life that was close to the one I had before my massive heart attack.

Living with the LVAD is a major adjustment to life. However the trade-off is well worth it. Without the LVAD my heart would not be able to supply me with the energy to walk 5 feet. The LVAD has restored my stamina to the point that my walking is UNLIMITED! This is why I say to other LVAD recipients/patients that WE Can Not Become Fish That Forgets About Water.

It is somewhat easy for me to forget I have an LVAD. I do watch my diet, take all my meds, visit the Doc on a regular basis... but at times I have to remind myself to slow down and pace myself.

There are risks with the LVAD that can cause death such as strokes and infection of the exit site.
These 2 risks run through my head as reminders that I must be careful with keeping the driveline still and secured so that it doesnt move or tug on the exit site as movement of the driveline can turn into an infected exit site. The best course for anyone to avoid infections is to LISTEN to their LVAD TEAM regarding what to do and what NOT to do.

In reference to clotting and strokes, LVAD patients are on blood thinning meds such as Coumadin. Taking my scheduled daily dose of Coumadin and keeping under the correct amount of daily vitamin K intake ( such as vegetable greens... lettuce, spinach, broccoli... etc) will keep the risk of clotting at bay.

So in closing (for now) I am very grateful for this year with the LVAD and the quality of life it has retored into my daily activities and life overall!

AND THE GOOD SAGA CONTINUES...

Columbia Presbyterian Hospital VAD SUPPORT GROUP September 28 2010

Today's LVAD Lunch & Learn series proved to be very productive. 1st on the agenda was Thoratec Product Update presented by Teri Gardner, RN Clinical Consultant from Thoratec. The update showed the future generations of the LVAD and LVAS. Smaller, more user friendly and wireless... yes, NO wires! However, the wireless is still in the distant future but on the radar screen of Thoratec. Bravo.

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Dr Yoshifumi Naka, my Surgeon, and the Director of the Cardiac Transplantation and Mechanical Circulatory Support Program, stopped in and greeted everyone between the 1st and 2nd items on the agenda. Dr Naka was greeted by a round of applause and more applause from the audience as he left. After all, Dr. Naka had his skilled and gifted hands "touch" all of our hearts in more ways than one.

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2nd on the agenda was Traveling with the LVAD, presented by Khristine Orlanes, ACNP. Informative topics included "Must Haves at All Times", "Air Travel specifics" and "Land Travel". During this session, discussions led to the proper handling of our LVAS as well as offering information to the airline and TSA for security reasons.

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3rd on the agenda was "Preventing and Managing Infections", presented by Dr Nir Uriel Proffesor Clinical Medicine, Center for Advanced Cardiac Care, Columbia University. This topic was engaging as it addressed infections at the driveline Exit-Site. All in attendance were told and showed what to look for and how to avoid an infection. Well over 40% of deaths related to the LVAD is due to infection.

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Lastly, there was a spread of good healthy food, buffet style, where all the LVAD recipients, care-givers and other interested parties mingled and shared their war stories :-) at the newly built River Terrace, Milstein Family Heart Center, Columbia Presbyterian Hospital NYC.

And the good saga continues...

2nd LVAD LUNCH AND LEARN

2nd LVAD LUNCH and LEARN... They are great as it focuses on the

LVAD recipient/patient/care-givers/Families ONLY!

The last one pulled in over 20 LVAD recipients. I am hoping more of us is there.

And the good saga continues...

Large LVAD Community Cheering Vice President Cheney

After attending the HeartMate II Ambassador Summit in Pleasanton, California, I was constantly asked how VP Cheney is faring. I only know as much as the rest. My knowledge of VP Cheney's recovery is as good as what's being released in the media. In an earlier post, I cited remarks made by his daughter, Liz Cheney and linked a radio interview that she made, where she stated that her Dad is doing well.

I would just like to express that there will be a day, maybe now, that Former Vice President Dick Cheney will become an LVAD Recipient, rather than an LVAD Patient. That threshold is realistic and obtainable. It is a point in that person's life that he or she says, "Yes, this LVAD has restored my life and stamina to where it was years ago. I do have restrictions however it is a wonderful trade-off to feel this good.

So again from the bottom of our LVADs, the LVAD community wishes Vice President Cheney a happy recovery.

And the good saga continues...

Dick Cheney: ‘Doing a Lot of Physical Therapy’ After Heart Surgery—but Hoping to Go Fishing Real Soon, Says Daughter Liz

Here are excerpts from a BlogRadio interview with Liz Cheney

Dick Cheney: ‘Doing a Lot of Physical Therapy’ After Heart Surgery—but Hoping to Go Fishing Real Soon, Says Daughter Liz


The former veep: Angling to get back to the Cowboy State asap. You gotta hand it to Dick Cheney. Less than two months after doctors implanted a pump in his heart to compensate for increasing congestive heart failure, the 69-year-old former vice president—who has had five heart attacks over the past 32 years —is hard at work on his memoirs, while gearing up for some outdoor fun.

So says Dick’s daughter, Liz Cheney, who’s collaborating on her dad’s book, which will help put his legacy within the George W. Bush administration into perspective.

“He’s doing really well. He is back at home here in Virginia and he’s hoping to get back to what we really consider home, which is Wyoming, as soon as he can,” she tells AACONS host Marie Stroughter.

“His left-ventricular assist device is essentially a pump that helps his heart function, helps his heart to pump more effectively. And that’s working wonderfully.

Liz: Helping dad cast new light on history.
“He’s doing a lot of physical therapy. He was in the hospital for about five weeks. So when you’re in the hospital for that long, it does take time to recover and come back. So that’s what he’s focused on very much now,” Liz, an attorney who held key roles in the State Department under President Bush, continues.

“But he’s doing really well, and back at work on the book. We’re looking forward to having the book come out, and also to having him get back to Wyoming.

“I think what he’d really like to do is get back on a drift boat on the Snake River and do some fishing. Hopefully that’ll come...

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/aacons/2010/09/02/interview-with-liz-cheney

AS THE LVAD SPINS... The LVAD Links Its Recipients Into A Special Community

Since i started this blog, folks come to me with questions about the LVAD. By no means am i an expert, nor medical professional. I am a very lucky man with an LVAD implant and it is grafted to my heart. The LVAD, Heartmate 2, has given back to me what the Heart Attack took away!


Ever since the NEWS broke about VP Cheney receiving an LVAD as well, my email inbox and phone messages are SWARMED by the question HOW IS VP DICK CHENEY?


I wish some words or signals came out of his camp. But i do understand his need for privacy... as I do enjoy my privacy as well. I can only guess that he is doing well and following the course set for him and his condition by his team of Doctors... We hope and pray he is well, but am comfortable in knowing he is in great medical hands... no doubt!

Again The LVAD community sends its BEST wishes and Prayers out to Vice President Dick Cheney! Keep Strong in body and mind!!!

And the good saga continues...

One Spin At A Time, A Day In The Life Of A Lucky LVAD Recipient. No Rodeo Yet!

With The LVAD, we must listen to our Doctors and Nurses and KNOW our own limitations and safety concerns while keeping active. Common Sense ABOVE ALL!

Here I am riding an old gentle horse name Delores. I mounted her via a concrete platform with steps, like a loading dock. i did not climb up on her as I would have normally done without the LVAD. On my ride, I was joined by a guide, my wife and daughter.

Everyday I am finding new reasons to love and respect my Heartmate2 LVAD!


Me, Myself and My LVAD, getting to ride Delores on a slow and easy run. No Rodeos yet!

Take Note: The LVAD battery wire (gray) exiting the controller :-)

And the good saga continues...

A Day In The LIFE Of An LVAD Recipient/A Photo Essay

A beautiful Braided horse named Shai

An old peaceful horse loved his muscular Jowls massaged

This guy loved rubbing his face up against mine! It was great!

SUNSET @ CITY ISLAND/NYC

CITY ISLAND SEA GULLS AWAIT FOOD ;-)

BEAUTIFUL STATEMENT ON PLAQUE @ CEMETERY ON THE WATER...

ZOOM IN AND READ ;-)

STARTED DAY WASHING THE TRUCK. BECAUSE OF THE LVAD I HAVE TO STAY AWAY FROM VACUUMS...

Me And My LVAD :-)

The last 7 months I was a volunteer for a Study (SCORR) or (SOCC) at Columbia-NY Presbyterian Hospital. Me and My LVAD :-)




One of the results from the study ended up where my Brain was mapped out under a "Lower Blood Perfusion Test" The model of my brain, under these conditions is THE ONLY ONE IN THE WORLD.

My LVAD's speed was lowered... lowering the oxygen in the blood, hence the brain :-)
This study will assist stroke patients as well as LVAD patients now and in the future.

And the good saga continues...

My LVAD Gives Strength And Allows Me To Be A Caregiver

My wife and CAREGIVER is under the weather with some kind of flu or virus. So my LVAD will take over and care for my wife.

The nurse at my wife's job sent her home as high BP, fever and chills started to develop. The wife of my Primary Physician (both Physician and Wife are close friends of ours as well) told my wife that she will pick her up at the train and bring my wife to emergency to get blood works done.

The reason why our friends decided to take my wife to get the blood works done, was in the event that my wife had a strong or rare flu or virus, they did not want me to catch it. Wow! I feel blessed on 2 fronts... the 1st for having such caring Family and Friends who constantly look out for me. The second front is this LVAD, i am blessed by having it and to the best of my ability... take care of my wife and help her to a speedy recovery.

Currently she is taking medicine to thwart her symptoms and the doctor also prescribed the same medication for me to ward off any possibility that my wife may pass the virus/flu over to me. Later on today I will be taking my wife to a doctor's exam.

I made her breakfast and tea ...but for now I am letting her sleep.

And the good saga continues...

I AM AN LVAD RECIPIENT... AND AN LVAD PATIENT WHEN AT MY LVAD HOSPITAL APPOINTMENTS

• I feel well. I do not feel like a patient. In my opinion, I am not.

• I am a recipient of an artificial (partial) organ.

I am an LVAD Recipient :-)

• Plain and simple... for me... The LVAD Restores Life!

• Thank you Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital / NYC and Thank You Thoratec

And the good saga continues...

Thoratec Quoted Me On Their Website ;-)

Nice, Thoratec quoted me on their Website and also posted a photo of me. Thank You.

http://www.thoratec.com/vad-trials-outcomes/patient-stories/details.aspx?sid=5

And the VERY good saga coninues...

Vice President Dick Cheney Becomes LVAD Recipient

Former Vice President Dick Cheney Receives a thoratec Heartmate2 LVAD!

Dear Vice President Cheney, Keep Strong, you will do well.

Taken from FoxNews.com:


Former Vice President Dick Cheney, who has a long history of heart problems, has been fitted with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), which is a battery-operated, mechanical pump-type device that's surgically implanted to help a weakened heart sustain life.



Cheney, 69, underwent the procedure last week at Inova Fairfax Heart and Vascular Institute in Falls Church, Va.

In a statement, Cheney said he decided to get the LVAD implanted after it “became clear that he was entering a new phase of the disease” when he began experiencing congestive heart failure.

About 5 million Americans have congestive heart failure, where the heart weakens over time — often as a result of heart attacks — and cannot pump enough blood. Heart transplants are one solution, but few patients find a donor and many are too old or sick for a transplant.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA) the device is sometimes called a “bridge to transplant” because it can “buy time” for the patient.

“In most cases, people who have LVADS are waiting or are being considered for a heart transplant,” Dr. Nieca Goldberg, medical director of the NYU Women’s Heart Program in New York City told FoxNews.com. ”The device helps people with heart failure that have really reduced heart function due to heart muscle damage. Every time he (Cheney) had a heart attack, some amount of heart muscle was damaged,” she said.

A common type of LVAD has a tube that pulls blood from the left ventricle into a pump, the AHA said on its website. The pump then sends blood into the aorta (the large blood vessel leaving the left ventricle), which helps the weakened ventricle.

“The interesting thing about the LVAD is that people are really mobile,” Goldberg said. “It’s small enough so people can walk around with it.”

The pump is located in the upper part of the abdomen. Another tube attached to the pump is brought out of the abdominal wall to the outside of the body and attached to the pump's battery and control system, according to the AHA.

Patients with LVADs, like Cheney, can be discharged from the hospital and have an acceptable quality of life while they wait for a donor to become available.

“This will help him have a more active life,” Goldberg said. “He won’t be running marathons, but his life will be better with it than without it.”

According to an abstract presented at the American Heart Association's 2005 Scientific Sessions, LVADs reduced the risk of death in end-stage heart failure patients by 50 percent at 6 and 12 months, and extended the average life span from 3.1 months to more than 10 months.

LVADs are being studied for use as a permanent therapy for people with severe heart failure who aren't transplant candidates.

Cheney has dealt with heart problems for much of his adult life, suffering five heart attacks since age 37.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

And the good saga continues...

LVAD LUNCH AND LEARN

LVAD Lunch & Learn
For LVAD recipients and families to participate in an LVAD Support Group

Date: May 3rd, 2010

Time: 11:00am – 2:00pm

Lunch will be served

Location: Montefiore Medical Center
3415 Bainbridge Ave Bronx, New York
CHAM Conference Room

Guest Speakers:

Nicolette Keen,MS,RD,CDN
Paula Marcus M.D.
Jery Whitworth RN...

Lunch provided by Thoratec Corporation
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I often joke with my LVAD team at Columbia-Presbyterian/NYC that with my LVAD lithium batteries, I can charge a dead battery in a car. I am now convinced after meeting with 20 + LVAD recipients at one gathering, we all probably can jump-start a Jumbo Jet should the occasion arise. :-)


As I end a great day and change my power source from my lithium batteries to my PBU leads ...yes Margaret, I do sleep without batteries :-)... I can not help to think of how honored I feel to be given the podium to speak before 20+ LVAD recipients. It was also an opportunity to meet Simone Van Tull from the transplantcafe.com site, Dick Clark and Mr. Stowe, all who are LVAD recipients and I have gotten to know them (or of them) from online connections or the telephone. This conference also enabled me to exchange contact info with many new LVAD brothers and sisters :-)

Honored... me at the podium, another humbling experience.

I discussed my ideas on how to live a more comfortable life with the LVAD, such as using the 511Tactical Holster Shirt and my encounters with Thoratec; the company that developed the Heartmate 2 LVAD. In turn, I was asked many questions.

It was amazing to see a conference room populated by folks powered by an LVAD. On the agenda, LVAD medical professionals discussed with the LVAD group ways to address situations that an LVAD recipient may encounter, such as stress, depression, meditations and palliative decisions to name a few.


What was particularly interesting to me was the time taken to heed the words from the LVAD recipient’s caretakers and recognizing their tasks and responsibilities in assisting the LVAD recipient in their daily lives. With that said, I THANK my wife.

And the good saga continues...

The Same Veracity, However This Time It Is Titanium!

Let us nuke (microwave) some “No salt” popcorn for 2 minutes… because today is an anniversary of sorts. 5 months this very day since my LVAD surgery. I am feeling monumental …heheheheh. Five months of fighting the good fight for all the expressions & prayers and the medical advances I received or receiving.

Again, I can remember, just a few years ago… in an LVAD-LESS world, I would not be around adding posts to this blog, see my kids and throw my grandchildren playfully onto my shoulders. Grandson One on my right shoulder and Grandson Two on my left shoulder… I begin to charge like a bull, the three of us laugh.

The truth of the matter is, the veracity I have from the Heartmate 2 LVAD has equaled the veracity of life prior to my massive heart attack. I am thankful. In hindsight, getting through these last six months, I applaud myself :-) for the relentless self- discipline used to regain the enjoyment of life’s finer attributes. I respect my vessel… my mind and body.

After all, a leading team of dedicated Medical Professionals, sincerely watch over my health, and for that I know I am blessed with the heavens on my side. Dynamic people doing amazing work at Columbia-New York Presbyterian hospital. As I watch, I have become a patient and a recipient …an amazed spectator.

As the quote goes at the end of the 1st IRON MAN movie…

“I am Iron Man”

Iron Man and Iron Man2 MARVEL.COM The Movie © 2009 © 2010

And the good saga continues…

Dr Naka Succeeded Dr Oz

When Dr Oz headed for TV land,
Dr Naka took over the reigns.
Dr Naka is the surgeon who
performed my LVAD implant at
New York Columbia Presbyterian Hospital.

Is Dr Naka the next TV doctor?



Yoshifumi Naka, MD, PhD

Positions and Appointments
2001-present Associate Professor of Surgery
Columbia University College of
Physicians & Surgeons, New York, NY
2003-present Director, Cardiac Transplantation Program
Columbia University Medical Center,
New York, NY
2001-present Director, Mechanical Circulatory Support Program
Columbia University Medical Center,
New York, NY
1999-present Attending Surgeon
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
Clinical SpecialtiesGeneral adult cardiac surgery
Adult cardiac surgery for coronary artery disease
Valvular heart disease
Heart/lung transplantation
Mechanical circulatory support device implantation
Research InterestsCardiac and pulmonary transplantation
Organ preservation
Surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation
Mechanical circulatory support devices
Vein graft disease after bypass surgery

Education and Training
1996-1998 Visiting Clinical Fellowship, Cardiothoracic Surgery
Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
1993-1996 Research Fellowship,
Cardiac and Pulmonary Transplantation
Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
1993 Fellowship, Cardiovascular Surgery
Osaka Police Hospital, Japan
1991 Residency
Osaka Police Hospital, Japan
1989 Research and Clinical Fellowship
Osaka University Medical School, Japan
1988 PhD
Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
1984 MD
Osaka University Medical School, Japan

Professional Experience1998-1999 Junior Attending Surgeon
Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
Professional HonorsCournand and Comroe Young Investigator Award, American Heart Association, 1995

Young Investigators Award, Japanese Association of Thoracic Surgery, 1988
Professional Societies and CommitteesMEMBERSHIPS
American Association for Thoracic Surgery
American Heart Association,
Councils of Circulation and Cardiothoracic Surgery
American Society for Artificial Internal Organs
American Society of Transplant Surgeons
International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation
Japanese Association for Thoracic Surgery
Japanese Circulation Society
Japan Surgical Society
New York Society of Thoracic Surgery
Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Society of University Surgeons

OTHER PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
Co-Chair, Satellite Symposium 3 “Current trends in mechanical assistance: Role of destination therapy” at the annual meeting of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation, San Francisco, USA, 2004

Co-Chair, "Featured Research Session" at the annual meeting of the Japanese Circulation Society, Sapporo, Japan, 2002

Co-Chair, "More VADs go bad," at the annual meeting of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation, Vancouver, 2001

Chair, "A issue in device immunology", at the annual meeting of the World Artificial-Organ, Immunology, and Transplantation, Ottawa, 2001

Chair, "Device patient interaction" at the International Heart and Lung Transplantation 3rd Fall Education Meeting, Mechanical Circulatory Support and Replacement II, Anaheim, 2001

Guest Editor, Ann Thoracic Surg 71 (suppl); Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference on Circulatory Support Devices For Severe Cardiac Failure. New York, NY, 9/15-17/00

For more information on Dr Naka please visit:
http://asp.cumc.columbia.edu/facdb/profile_list.asp?uni=yn33&DepAffil=Surgery

And the good saga continues...

The Silent Heart Attack The Silent Killer "You may never know until its too late"

Learn more from http://www.americanheart.org/ on
the Silent Heart Attack


The Silent Heart Attack The Silent Killer

Time can be a heart attack victim's friend or enemy. Speedy diagnosis and treatment are crucial as each second that passes, the heart tissue starts to die. The Silent Heart Attack is the worst type of heart attack. Twice as many deaths occur with the silent heart attack than heart attacks with chest and arm pains.

The silent heart attack fools the patient with a sour stomach and needing to vomit often. The thought of a stomach virus or food poisoning masks the reason to think it was a heart attack; however, diarrhoea is usually absent. Permanent damage will occur to the heart the longer it goes untreated.




Do not hesitate to call your doctor or to go to the emergency room if you develop an abnormally SUDDEN stomach problem. Better to be safe than sorry.

BELIEVE ME as I had a silent heart attack...




And the good saga continues...

Meeting With THORATEC In The Flesh,Blood And Titanium (and Richard Gere too)

THORATEC (THOR) the maker of the HEARTMATE ll LVAD had sent word to me that they have seen my blog and complimented it. THOR has always been professionally approachable with any question, concern or idea that I had. Then my wife and I received a message that THORATEC wanted to meet with me - flesh, blood and titanium. We were quite honored and a time and place was set. A small and quaint Manhattan Italian restaurant.

We met at dinner and the THOR representative (he plays a visionary role within the ranks of THOR) truly took his time to listen to an LVAD recipient and shared some innovative info that continues to show that THORATEC IS A CARING COMPANY that constantly pushes the envelope on LVAD technology and LVAD recipient comfort. The dinner lasted 4 hours.


At the restaurant where the dinner-meeting was set, were Richard Gere, the actor, and his wife Carrie Lowell, eating dinner. When it was time for us to leave, the THORATEC representative went to get his coat and accidentally tried to give Gere's wife his coat-claim ticket and a tip. She rejected his gesture and walked back to her table and husband. Apparently she was returning from the restroom that was near to the coat-check closet. It was too funny! An honest mistake.

Then we walked the THOR rep to his hotel...almost a mile away. We said our goodbyes and my wife and I (powered by the Heartmate ll) walked back to our truck which was parked by the restaurant. We had an outstanding and memorable evening and a brief encounter with Richard Gere and his wife.

We know we are in good hands with a company like THORATEC.

And the good saga continues...

LVAD AWARENESS for Paramedics/EMT/EMS Ambulance Companies. 911 PROTOCOL?

Currently i am visiting online emergency services forums. Most are unaware of how to treat an LVAD patient. They do not know that LVAD recipients do not have a pulse or a "readable" blood pressure. However, they are all eager to learn.

The Heartmate ll made by THORATEC is the first CONTINUOUS FLOW DEVICE. It has only one moving part making it more reliable. Since it is a continuous flow design, the blood is in constant flow as opposed to the native heart beating that creates the pulse. The Heartmate ll is approved by the FDA for use in the USA for Bridge To Transplant (BTT) and Destination Therapy (DT) patients.

THE SCENARIO:

A 911 call is made from a cell phone at a mall. A male patient collapses and seems too sluggish to move. An ambulance is immediately dispatched to the location. The paramedics arrive and find the patient sitting on the floor with his wife by his side. The male patient is conscious and answers the questions the paramedics ask.

He states he became dizzy and passed out. The patient continues to say that he has a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implanted and grafted to his heart. The LVAD helps pump oxygen-enriched blood that his damaged heart can not do. The male patient also claims that due to the design of the LVAD, basic equipment WILL NOT detect his Blood Pressure nor Pulse.

Only special Doppler equipment will detect his vitals.

It appears that the patient has lost color and is sweating. What next? There is a titanium heart/blood pump implanted to his heart. If needed, are chest compressions dangerous for this patient? The answer is YES! It can cause the LVAD to dislodge from the heart and the patient can internally bleed.

I am a 47 yo male with an LVAD implant. I DON'T HAVE the conventionally found Blood Pressure and I do not have a Pulse, However I am alive and well and I am trying to raise awareness of 911/EMT/LVAD PROTOCOL and to obtain more info from the experts on how to spread this crucial topic. It is predicted that the LVAD will be as common as dialysis.

So it is imperative that our 1st responders should be "user-friendly" with LVAD recipients especially when most LVAD recipients are leading mobile and normal lives.

Thank you

and the good saga continues...