Flying after left ventricular assist device implantation.

Literature on the air travel activities of patients supported by permanent mechanical assist devices is rare. To the best of our knowledge, no air travel guidelines or fitness prerequisites exist on whether and when ventricular assist device (VAD) patients are allowed to travel by plane after device implantation. In this study, we evaluated the topic of air travel after VAD implantation. This working group aimed to produce a report on air travel passengers supported by VADs, regarding their fitness to fly. Fifty left ventricular assist device (LVAD) patients were surveyed in a worldwide multicenter study. The single survey was performed with a multimethod design, including interviews conducted face-to-face, online, and on phone. Out of 50 patients, 97% described their traveling by aircraft as perfect and uneventful during the flight. Eighty-five percent of the study participants consulted their medical practitioner before the flight. No patient reported the occurrence of a severe condition associated with flying. LVAD alarms, especially low flow alarms, did not occur in any of the devices. Thirty-five percent of the surveyed patients, however, stated a major problem pertaining to the security check procedures at the airport. The results of this study suggest that commercial air travel is safe for stable patients on permanent VAD support and traveling can be resumed securely after VAD implantation. Conscientious preparation by packing necessary devices, fluids, medications, and careful preparation for the airport security check is recommended.

Prevention and early treatment of driveline infections in ventricular assist device patients - The DESTINE staging proposal and the first standard of care protocol.

Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) using left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) have considerably improved the quality of life and survival rate of patients with end-stage heart failure. Despite substantial technological progress, major challenges with regard to VAD-specific and VAD-related infections have hitherto hindered the broader application of this promising therapy approach. Driveline infections (DLI) range among the main adverse events experienced in LVAD patients. However, many centers still apply their own protocol for driveline exit site (DLES) care and an international standard on prevention, reduction and early treatment of DLI after the perioperative period has not yet been defined. In March 2019, VAD coordinators and cardiac surgeons from Germany and Austria met to develop a standard of care procedure (SOP) as well as a new staging approach with recommended actions for treatment of VAD carriers. In this Driveline Expert STagINg and carE (DESTINE) study group we developed a 10-step SOP for DLES care with emphasis on essentials such as clean and save preparation, sterile dressing change and secure driveline immobilization. An advanced wound staging approach was defined with recommended actions for prevention, early detection and stage-related management of DLI. Broad consensus was reached on the fact that an interdisciplinary approach both in DLES care and DLES healing disorder awareness is required to prolong infect-free survival times on MCS as well as to ensure high patient compliance and quality of life. In conclusion, a new detailed SOP for appropriate DLES care and an advanced wound staging approach for prevention and management of DLI were defined on an expert level applicable for VAD clinicians, practitioners and care givers in Central Europe.