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Physical Therapist Management of Patients With Ventricular Assist Devices: Key Considerations for the Acute Care Physical Therapist

Chris L. Wells
DOI: 10.2522/ptj.20110408 Published 1 February 2013
Chris L. Wells
C.L. Wells, PT, PhD, CCS, ATC, Department of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, 100 Penn St AHB, Suite 101, Baltimore, MD 21201 (USA), and Department of Rehabilitation Services, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland.
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Abstract

This article provides an overview of the utilization of ventricular assist devices (VADs), reviews the common features of VADs and management of VAD recipients, discusses clinical considerations in the rehabilitation process, and describes the role of the acute care physical therapist in the care of VAD recipients. With more than 5 million people in the United States with heart failure, and with a limited ability to manage the progressive and debilitating nature of heart failure, VADs are becoming more commonplace. In order to prescribe a comprehensive and effective plan of care, the physical therapist needs to understand the type and function of the VADs and the goals of the VAD program. The goals for the physical therapist are: (1) to deliver comprehensive rehabilitation services to patients on VAD support, (2) to develop an understanding of the role of functional mobility in recovery, and (3) to understand how preoperative physical function may contribute to the VAD selection process. The acute care physical therapist has an increasing role in providing a complex range of rehabilitation services, as well as serving as a well-educated resource to physical therapists across the health care spectrum, as more VAD recipients are living in the community.

Footnotes

  • The author acknowledges Dr Erik Sorensen for his constant resource of information as a bioengineer at the University of Maryland Medical Center, Dr Erika Feller for her commitment to enhancing the rehabilitation process for patients served by the VAD program at the University of Maryland Medical Center, and Dr Fran Huber for her editorial skills and professional recommendations.

  • Received November 15, 2011.
  • Accepted September 27, 2012.
  • © 2013 American Physical Therapy Association
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Vol 93 Issue 2 Table of Contents
Physical Therapy: 93 (2)

Issue highlights

  • Physical Therapists' Management of Patients With Post–Intensive Care Syndrome
  • An Early Mobilization Protocol in a Trauma and Burns Intensive Care Unit
  • An Early Mobility Protocol to Increase Ambulation in Intensive and Intermediate Care Settings
  • An Early Mobilization Program for Patients With Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
  • Physical Therapist Student Confidence and Simulation-Based Management of Patients in Critical Care
  • Inspiratory Muscle Training in Infants
  • Mobility Strategies for the Patient With Intensive Care Unit–Acquired Weakness
  • Rehabilitation in Patients Receiving ECMO
  • Delivery of Physical Therapy Services for Individuals With Critical Illness
  • Physical Therapist Management of Patients With Ventricular Assist Devices
  • Exercise, Weight Loss, and Hip Osteoarthritis
  • A Novel, Intensive, Task-Specific Intervention for Individuals With Chronic Stroke
  • Psychometric Properties of the Mini-BESTest and BBS in Patients With Balance Disorders
  • Biofeedback System for Sensory Evaluation and Re-education
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Physical Therapist Management of Patients With Ventricular Assist Devices: Key Considerations for the Acute Care Physical Therapist
Chris L. Wells
Physical Therapy Feb 2013, 93 (2) 266-278; DOI: 10.2522/ptj.20110408

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Physical Therapist Management of Patients With Ventricular Assist Devices: Key Considerations for the Acute Care Physical Therapist
Chris L. Wells
Physical Therapy Feb 2013, 93 (2) 266-278; DOI: 10.2522/ptj.20110408
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  • Article
    • Abstract
    • Indications for VAD Implantation
    • Patient Selection Criteria
    • Description of VADs
    • Types of VADs
    • Key Factors in VAD Management
    • Management of VAD Recipients
    • Postoperative Management
    • Staff Training and Competency
    • Conclusion
    • Appendix 1.
    • Appendix 2.
    • Footnotes
    • References
  • Figures & Data
  • Info & Metrics
  • PDF

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Subjects

  • Perspectives
  • Acute Care

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Copyright © 2013 The HighWire JCore Reference Site | Print ISSN: 0123-4567 | Online ISSN: 1123-4567
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