Recommendations for the Use of Mechanical Circulatory Support: Ambulatory and Community Patient Care

Published 30 May 2017

Jennifer L. Cook,  Monica Colvin,  Gary S. Francis,  Kathleen L. Grady,  Timothy M. Hoffman,  Mariell Jessup,  Ranjit John, Michael S. Kiernan,  Judith E. Mitchell,  Francis D. Pagani,  Michael Petty,  Pasala Ravichandran,  Joseph G. Rogers,  Marc J. Semigran and J. Matthew Toole

Circulation. Jun 2017;135(25):e1145-58

• Advanced Heart Failure & Transplantation
• Cardiology
• Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Consensus Document
• Endorsement
• Mechanical Circulatory Support
• Publications & Journals
• Standards & Guidelines

As of July 2014, 158 centers in the United States offer long-term MCS. Patients often live a substantial distance from the implanting center, necessitating active involvement of local first responders (emergency medical technicians, police, and fire department personnel), emergency department staff, primary care, and referring cardiologists. Because patients with MCS are becoming increasingly mobile, basic knowledge of equipment is necessary for personnel in public areas such as schools, public transportation, and airplanes/airports. Ambulatory patients with MCS can span the entire age spectrum from pediatrics to geriatrics. The aim of this document is to provide guidance for nonexperts in MCS and to facilitate the informed assessment, stabilization, and transport of the patient with MCS back to the MCS center for definitive therapy. In addition, the principles herein provide a foundation for emergency management and a framework to address the management of known MCS-associated complications and expected comorbid medical problems.

This document was endorsed by ISHLT in 2017.

Read at Circulation

Download Figures