An Emergency Medicine–focused Summary of the HFSA/SAEM/ISHLT Clinical Consensus Document on the Emergency Management of Patients With Ventricular Assist Devices

Abstract

Mechanical circulatory support is increasingly used as a long-term treatment option for patients with end-stage heart failure. Patients with implanted ventricular assist devices are at high risk for a range of diverse medical urgencies and emergencies. Given the increasing prevalence of mechanical circulatory support devices, this expert clinical consensus document seeks to help inform emergency medicine and prehospital providers regarding the approach to acute medical and surgical conditions encountered in these complex patients.