VAD protocol

i have always used a numbing agent at first.

[color=#483d8b]

[color=#483d8b]sueb

Hello everyone!

I am looking for some information on a VAD protocol. We have had BiVAD, LVAD, & RVAD. We just don't have a protocol for them. Does your hospital have one?

Any information would be greatly appreciated!!:)

What kind of protocol are you looking for? Patient care? Staffing? Be more specific:rolleyes:

Specifically like when to give fluids (esp. within the first 24hrs), goal range for CVP, range for ACT, ptt, etc. I guess it would be patient care protocol. We usually staff 2 RN's in the first 24 hours (more if unstable) so staffing usually isn't a problem. It's the patient care we need a protocol for.

Thanks!! :)

PS - VAD (Ventricular Assisted Device) not the Vincristine, etc. chemo therapy thing.

Specifically like when to give fluids (esp. within the first 24hrs), goal range for CVP, range for ACT, ptt, etc. I guess it would be patient care protocol. We usually staff 2 RN's in the first 24 hours (more if unstable) so staffing usually isn't a problem. It's the patient care we need a protocol for.

Thanks!! :)

PS - VAD (Ventricular Assisted Device) not the Vincristine, etc. chemo therapy thing.

I am not an ICU nurse,is a vad something that is implanted?

I am not an ICU nurse,is a vad something that is implanted?

Yes - a VAD is essentially an artificial ventricle. It can support left, right, or both ventricles, and is usually attached to an external monitor/pump via a driveline. Patients that get VADs are very sick - usually EF is less than 10%. They used to use them as bridges to heart transplants, but now can be used as destination therapy.

Here's kind of a weird link that may be of no use--it's for one of the Duke CICUs and has the nurse manager's name--maybe you could contact her?

http://dukenursing.org/jobopenings_unitprofile.asp?UID=55

I know they see a lot of LVADs and BiVADs; I'm not a nurse there, but my husband was on a Thoratec Bi VAD for a few months before transplantation and as I understand it Duke is a leader in VAD research. They've been researching using them to decrease pulmonary hypertension, among other things. Some cool stuff.

anyway, good luck,

Rebecca :heartbeat

sorry...i thought venous access device!

[color=#556b2f]

[color=#556b2f]sueb