Ethical challenges with the left ventricular assist device as a destination therapy

Deactivation of Left Ventricular Assist Devices at the End of Life: Narrative Review and Ethical Framework

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have become an increasingly common advanced therapy in patients with severe symptomatic heart failure. Their unique nature in prolonging life through incorporation into the circulatory system raises ethical questions regarding patient identity and values, device ontology, and treatment categorization; approaching requests for LVAD deactivation requires consideration of these factors, among others. To that end, clinicians would benefit from a deeper understanding of: 1) the history and nature of LVADs; 2) the wider context of device deactivation and associated ethical considerations; and 3) an introductory framework incorporating best practices in requests for LVAD deactivation (specifically in controversial situations without obvious medical or device-related complications). In such decisions, heart failure teams can safeguard patient preferences without compromising ethical practice through more explicit advance care planning before LVAD implantation, early integration of hospice and palliative medicine specialists (maintained throughout the disease process), and further research interrogating behaviors and attitudes related to LVAD deactivation.

Initial multicenter experience with ventricular assist devices in children and young adults with muscular dystrophy: An ACTION registry analysis

PURPOSE

Cardiac disease results in significant morbidity and mortality in patients with muscular dystrophy (MD). Single centers have reported their ventricular assist device (VAD) experience in specific MDs and in limited numbers. This study sought to describe the outcomes associated with VAD therapy in an unselected population across multiple centers.

METHODS

We examined outcomes of patients with MD and dilated cardiomyopathy implanted with a VAD at Advanced Cardiac Therapies Improving Outcomes Network (ACTION) centers from 9/2012 to 9/2020.

RESULTS

A total of 19 VADs were implanted in 18 patients across 12 sites. The majority of patients had dystrophinopathy (66%) and the median age at implant was 17.2 years (range 11.7-29.5). Eleven patients were non-ambulatory (61%) and 6 (33%) were on respiratory support pre-VAD. Five (28%) patients were implanted as a bridge to transplant, 4 of whom survived to transplant. Of 13 patients implanted as bridge to decision or destination therapy, 77% were alive at 1 year and 69% at 2 years. The overall frequencies of positive outcome (transplanted or alive on device) at 1 year and 2 years were 84% and 78%, respectively. Two patients suffered a stroke, 2 developed sepsis, 1 required tracheostomy, and 1 experienced severe right heart failure requiring right-sided VAD.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates the potential utility of VAD therapies in patients with muscular dystrophy. Further research is needed to further improve outcomes and better determine which patients may benefit most from VAD therapy in terms of survival and quality of life.

End-of-Life in Pediatric Patients Supported by Ventricular Assist Devices: A Network Database Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES

Most pediatric patients on ventricular assist device (VAD) survive to transplantation. Approximately 15% will die on VAD support, and the circumstances at the end-of-life are not well understood. We, therefore, sought to characterize patient location and invasive interventions used at the time of death.

DESIGN

Retrospective database study of a cohort meeting inclusion criteria.

SETTING

Thirty-six centers participating in the Advanced Cardiac Therapies Improving Outcomes Network (ACTION) Registry.

PATIENTS

Children who died on VAD therapy in the period March 2012 to September 2021.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Of the 117 of 721 patients (16%) who died on VAD, the median (interquartile range) age was 5 years (1-16 yr) at 43 days (17-91 d) postimplant. Initial goals of therapy were bridge to consideration for candidacy for transplantation in 60 of 117 (51%), bridge to transplantation in 44 of 117 (38%), bridge to recovery 11 of 117 (9%), or destination therapy (i.e., VAD as the endpoint) in two of 117 (2%). The most common cause of death was multiple organ failure in 35 of 117 (30%), followed by infection in 12 of 117 (10%). Eighty-five of 92 (92%) died with a functioning device in place. Most patients were receiving invasive interventions (mechanical ventilation, vasoactive infusions, etc.) at the end of life. Twelve patients (10%) died at home.

CONCLUSIONS

One-in-six pediatric VAD patients die while receiving device support, with death occurring soon after implant and usually from noncardiac causes. Aggressive interventions are common at the end-of-life. The ACTION Registry data should inform future practices to promote informed patient/family and clinician decision-making to hopefully reduce suffering at the end-of-life.

In-Hospital Left Ventricular Assist Devices Deactivation and Death Experience: A Single-Institution Retrospective Analysis

Best practices for left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) deactivation at end-of-life (EOL) have yet to be elucidated. We conducted a single-institution retrospective review of patients who died following LVAD deactivation between January 2017 and March 2020. Data were obtained from institutional databases and electronic health record and were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Fifty-eight patients (70% male, 70% African American, median age 62 years) were categorized by implant strategy: bridge therapy (BT, N = 22, 38%) or destination therapy (DT, N = 36, 62%). Clinical events leading to deactivation were categorized either acute ( e.g. , stroke [ N = 31, 53%]), gradual decline ( N = 12, 21%), or complications during index hospitalization ( N = 15, 26%). Implant strategy was not associated with clinical trajectory leading to EOL ( p = 0.67), hospital unit of death ( p = 0.13), or use of mechanical ventilation ( p = 0.69) or renal replacement therapy ( p = 0.81) during terminal hospitalization. Overall time from admission to code status change was mean 27.0 days (SD 30.3 days). Compared with BT patients, DT experienced earlier do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders ( p ≤ 0.01) and shorter survival post-deactivation ( p ≤ 0.01). Deactivations after gradual decline tended to occur outside ICUs, compared with acute events or index implant-related complications ( p = 0.04). Implant strategy was not associated with differences in EOL experience except regarding timing of DNR order and survival post-deactivation.

Withdrawal of Temporary Mechanical Circulatory Support in Patients With Capacity

CONTEXT

Little is known about the real-time decision-making process of patients with capacity to choose withdrawal of temporary mechanical circulatory support (MCS).

OBJECTIVES

To assess how withdrawal of temporary MCS occurs when patients possess the capacity to make this decision themselves.

METHODS

This retrospective case series included adults supported by CentriMag Acute Circulatory Support or Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation from February 2, 2007 to May 27, 2020 at a tertiary academic medical center who possessed capacity to participate in end-of-life discussions. Authors performed chart review to determine times between "initiation of temporary MCS," "determination of 'bridge to nowhere,'" "patient expressing desire to withdraw," "agreement to withdraw," "withdrawal," and "death," as well as reasons for withdrawal and the role of ethics, psychiatry, and palliative care.

RESULTS

A total of 796 individuals were included. MCS was withdrawn in 178 (22.4%) of cases. Six of these 178 patients (3.4%) possessed the capacity to decide to withdraw MCS. Time between "patient expressing desire to withdraw" and "agreement to withdraw" ranged from 0 to 3 days; time between "agreement to withdraw" and "withdrawal" ranged from 0 to 6 days. Common reasons for withdrawal include perceived decline in quality of life or low probability of recovery. Ethics and psychiatry were consulted in 3 of 6 cases and palliative care in 5 of 6 cases.

CONCLUSION

While it is rare for patients on MCS to request withdrawal, such cases provide insight into reasons for withdrawal and the important roles of multidisciplinary teams in helping patients and families through end-of-life decision-making.

Anticipatory Burden in Adult-Child Caregivers: A Concept Analysis

This study aims to analyze the concept of anticipatory burden in adult-child caregivers. A systematic literature review was performed using four databases, Pubmed, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Medline, with the keywords of “anticipatory burden” and “anticipated burden”. Simplified Wilson’s classic concept analysis modified by Walker and Avant was employed to identify the attributes, antecedents and consequences of anticipatory burden in the adult-child caregivers. Eighteen articles were analyzed. Attributes of anticipatory burden in adult-child caregivers were found to be: (1) subjective burden, (2) anticipation, (3) overestimation, (4) inability, and (5) family relationship. Antecedents were identified as: (1) potential care recipients, (2) caregiving willingness, and (3) a lack of resources. Consequences included: (1) prediction of caregiving willingness, (2) impacts on caregivers’ health, (3) intervention promotion, and (4) behavioral changes. As the adult-child caregiver is one of the main types of family caregivers for the fast-growing aging population, it is important to understand the attributes, antecedents, and consequences of their anticipatory burden. Based on the results of this study, resources such as intervention, policy, and counseling services are recommended to help adult-child caregivers lower their anticipatory burden and get better prepared for providing family care.

Is Left Ventricular Assist Device Deactivation Ethically Acceptable? A Study on the Euthanasia Debate

In the last decades, new technologies have improved the survival of patients affected by chronic illnesses. Among them, left ventricular assist device (LVAD) has represented a viable solution for patients with advanced heart failure (HF). Even though the LVAD prolongs life expectancy, patients' vulnerability generally increases during follow up and patients' request for the device withdrawal might occur. Such a request raises some ethical concerns in that it directly hastens the patient's death. Hence, in order to assess the ethical acceptability of LVAD withdrawal, we analyse and examine an ethical argument, widely adopted in the literature, that we call the "descriptive approach", which consists in giving a definition of life-sustaining treatment to evaluate the ethical acceptability of treatment withdrawal. Focusing attention on LVAD, we show criticisms of this perspective. Finally, we assess every patient's request of LVAD withdrawal through a prescriptive approach, which finds its roots in the criterion of proportionality.

Referral Criteria to Palliative Care for Patients With Heart Failure: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Patients with heart failure have significant symptom burden, care needs, and often a progressive course to end-stage disease. Palliative care referrals may be helpful but it is currently unclear when patients should be referred and by whom. We conducted a systematic review of the literature to examine referral criteria for palliative care among patients with heart failure.

METHODS

We searched Ovid, MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, and PubMed databases for articles in the English language from the inception of databases to January 17, 2019 related to palliative care referral in patients with heart failure. Two investigators independently reviewed each citation for inclusion and then extracted the referral criteria. Referral criteria were then categorized thematically.

RESULTS

Of the 1199 citations in our initial search, 102 articles were included in the final sample. We identified 18 categories of referral criteria, including 7 needs-based criteria and 10 disease-based criteria. The most commonly discussed criterion was physical or emotional symptoms (n=51 [50%]), followed by cardiac stage (n=46 [45%]), hospital utilization (n=38 [37%]), prognosis (n=37 [36%]), and advanced cardiac therapies (n=36 [35%]). Under cardiac stage, 31 (30%) articles suggested New York Heart Association functional class ≥III and 12 (12%) recommended New York Heart Association class ≥IV as cutoffs for referral. Prognosis of ≤1 year was mentioned in 21 (21%) articles as a potential trigger; few other criteria had specific cutoffs.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review highlighted the lack of consensus regarding referral criteria for the involvement of palliative care in patients with heart failure. Further research is needed to identify appropriate and timely triggers for palliative care referral.

Randomized trial of a left ventricular assist device as destination therapy versus guideline-directed medical therapy in patients with advanced heart failure. Rationale and design of the SWEdish evaluation of left Ventricular Assist Device (SweVAD) trial

AIMS

Patients with advanced heart failure (AdHF) who are ineligible for heart transplantation (HTx) can become candidates for treatment with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) in some countries, but not others. This reflects the lack of a systematic analysis of the usefulness of LVAD systems in this context, and of their benefits, limitations and cost-effectiveness. The SWEdish evaluation of left Ventricular Assist Device (SweVAD) study is a Phase IV, prospective, 1:1 randomized, non-blinded, multicentre trial that will examine the impact of assignment to mechanical circulatory support with guideline-directed LVAD destination therapy (GD-LVAD-DT) using the HeartMate 3 (HM3) continuous flow pump vs. guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) on survival in a population of AdHF patients ineligible for HTx.

METHODS

A total of 80 patients will be recruited to SweVAD at the seven university hospitals in Sweden. The study population will comprise patients with AdHF (New York Heart Association class IIIB-IV, INTERMACS profile 2-6) who display signs of poor prognosis despite GDMT and who are not considered eligible for HTx. Participants will be followed for 2 years or until death occurs. Other endpoints will be determined by blinded adjudication. Patients who remain on study-assigned interventions beyond 2 years will be asked to continue follow-up for outcomes and adverse events for up to 5 years.

CONCLUSION

The SweVAD study will compare survival, medium-term benefits, costs and potential hazards between GD-LVAD-DT and GDMT and will provide a valuable reference point to guide destination therapy strategies for patients with AdHF ineligible for HTx.

Sequential Pattern Mining of Longitudinal Adverse Events After Left Ventricular Assist Device Implant

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are an increasingly common therapy for patients with advanced heart failure. However, implantation of the LVAD increases the risk of stroke, infection, bleeding, and other serious adverse events (AEs). Most post-LVAD AEs studies have focused on individual AEs in isolation, neglecting the possible interrelation, or causality between AEs. This study is the first to conduct an exploratory analysis to discover common sequential chains of AEs following LVAD implantation that are correlated with important clinical outcomes. This analysis was derived from 58,575 recorded AEs for 13,192 patients in International Registry for Mechanical Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) who received a continuous-flow LVAD between 2006 and 2015. The pattern mining procedure involved three main steps: (1) creating a bank of AE sequences by converting the AEs for each patient into a single, chronologically sequenced record, (2) grouping patients with similar AE sequences using hierarchical clustering, and (3) extracting temporal chains of AEs for each group of patients using Markov modeling. The mined results indicate the existence of seven groups of sequential chains of AEs, characterized by common types of AEs that occurred in a unique order. The groups were identified as: GRP1: Recurrent bleeding, GRP2: Trajectory of device malfunction & explant, GRP3: Infection, GRP4: Trajectories to transplant, GRP5: Cardiac arrhythmia, GRP6: Trajectory of neurological dysfunction & death, and GRP7: Trajectory of respiratory failure, renal dysfunction & death. These patterns of sequential post-LVAD AEs disclose potential interdependence between AEs and may aid prediction, and prevention, of subsequent AEs in future studies.

Destination-Therapy Ventricular Assist Device in Children: "The Future Is Now"

Durable ventricular assist devices (VADs) have significantly improved survival to transplantation among children with advanced stages of heart failure. The fundamental goals of VAD therapy include decreasing mortality, minimizing adverse events, and improving quality of life. As the pediatric VAD experience has evolved with reduced device related complications and improved survival, VAD therapy is being considered not only as a bridge to transplantation (BTT) but also as a bridge to decision (BTD) and as destination therapy (DT). Data regarding pediatric DT VAD are limited to anecdotal or case reports of children being supported for long periods with VADs and by default being classified as DT VAD. This article reviews current trends in the use of DT VAD and adverse events in children vs adults on VAD, and provides a framework for patient selection with the use of a multidisciplinary approach including palliative care. The general approach to determining DT VAD candidacy should include: 1) a reasonable success that the patient will survive the peri- and postoperative state; and 2) a high likelihood that the patient will be able to be discharged out of hospital and have adequate caregiver support. Patients with muscular dystrophy and failing Fontan physiology are examples of pediatric populations for whom DT VAD may be considered and which require unique considerations.

Pre-Ventricular Assist Device Palliative Care Consultation: A Qualitative Analysis

INTRODUCTION

In 2013, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued a mandate requiring that all patients undergoing destination therapy ventricular assist device (DT VAD) implantation have access to a palliative care team before surgery. Subsequently, many VAD programs implemented a mandatory preimplantation palliative care consultation for patients considering DT VAD. However, little is known about the quality of these consults.

METHODS

All patients undergoing DT VAD implantation at Northwestern Memorial Hospital from October 30, 2013 (the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services decision date), through March 1, 2018, were included. Palliative care consultation notes were qualitatively analyzed for elements of "palliative care assessment" and preparedness planning.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight preimplantation palliative care consultations were analyzed. Fifty-six percent of the consults occurred in the intensive care unit, and the median time from consult to VAD implant was six days. General palliative care elements were infrequently discussed. Furthermore, the elements of preparedness planning-device failure, post-VAD health-related quality of life, device complications, and progressive comorbidities-were discussed in only 10%, 54%, 49%, and 12% of consultations, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

One-time preimplantation palliative care consultations at our institution do not lead to completion of preparedness planning or even general palliative care assessment. Further work is needed to determine the most effective way to integrate palliative care into preimplantation care.

Quality of life with an LVAD: A misunderstood concept

The present study aims to synthesize current evidence on the impact of LVAD implantation on quality of life. Current evidence was systematically reviewed to obtain relevant quantitative and qualitative articles published after 2007. Sandelowski's recommended steps for meta-summary were used to analyze the 19 studies that met the inclusion criteria. LVADs can improve HF symptoms and some aspects of QoL. Emotional and physical adaptation involves many changes and learning to manage the device takes time. Functional limitations still exist and patients still lack independence. LVAD-related complications significantly impact QoL. Psychological distress remains high after implantation. LVADs significantly impact the caregiver as well and their perspective is not well heard in the existing evidence. It is important for providers to have ongoing, in-depth discussions with patients and their caregivers regarding treatment options, goals of care, anticipated end-of-life trajectories with an LVAD, possible LVAD-complications, and the caregiver burden associated with an LVAD.

Prediction of the level and duration of shear stress exposure that induces subhemolytic damage to erythrocytes

BACKGROUND

Current generation mechanical circulatory assist devices are designed to minimize high shears to blood for prolonged durations to avoid hemolysis. However, red blood cells (RBC) demonstrate impaired capacity to deform when exposed to shear stress (SS) well below the "hemolytic threshold".

OBJECTIVE

We endeavored to identify how changes in the magnitude and duration of SS exposure alter RBC deformability and subsequently develop a model to predict erythrocyte subhemolytic damage.

METHODS

RBC suspensions were exposed to discrete magnitudes of SS (1-64 Pa) for specific durations (1-64 s), immediately prior to RBC deformability being measured. Analyses included exploring the maximal RBC deformation (EImax) and SS required for half EImax (SS1/2). A surface-mesh was interpolated onto the raw data to predict impaired RBC deformability.

RESULTS

When SS was applied at <16Pa, limited changes were observed. When RBC were exposed to 32 Pa, mild impairments in EImax and SS1/2 occurred, although 64 Pa caused a dramatic impairment of RBC deformability. A clear relation between SS duration and magnitude was determined, which could predict impaired RBC deformability.

CONCLUSION

The present results provide a model that may be used to predict whether RBC deformability is decreased following exposure to a given level and duration of SS, and may guide design of future generations of mechanical circulatory assist devices.

Dying With a Left Ventricular Assist Device as Destination Therapy

BACKGROUND

Despite the ability of left ventricular assist device as destination therapy (DT-LVAD) to prolong survival for many patients with advanced heart failure, little is known about the eventual end-of-life care that patients with DT-LVAD receive.

METHODS AND RESULTS

All patients undergoing DT-LVAD at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, from January 1, 2007, to September 30, 2014, who subsequently died before July 1, 2015, were included. Information about end-of-life care was obtained from documentation in the electronic medical record. Of 89 patients who died with a DT-LVAD, the median (25th-75th percentile) time from left ventricular assist device implantation to death was 14 (4-31) months. The most common causes of death were multiorgan failure (26%), hemorrhagic stroke (24%), and progressive heart failure (21%). Nearly half (46%) of the patients saw palliative care within 1 month before death; however, only 13 (15%) patients enrolled in hospice a median 11 (range 1-315) days before death. Most patients (78%) died in the hospital, of which 88% died in the intensive care unit. In total, 49 patients had their left ventricular assist device deactivated before death, with all but 3 undergoing deactivation in the hospital. Most patients died within an hour of left ventricular assist device deactivation and all within 26 hours.

CONCLUSIONS

In contrast to the general heart failure population, most patients with DT-LVAD die in the hospital and few use hospice. Further work is needed to understand these differences and to determine whether patients with DT-LVAD are receiving optimal end-of-life care.

End-of-Life Care in the Treatment of Heart Failure in Older Adults

Heart failure presents unique challenges to the clinician who desires to provide excellent and humane care near the end of life. Accurate prediction of mortality in the individual patient is complicated by a chronic disease that is punctuated by recurrent acute episodes and sudden death. Health care providers continue to have difficulty communicating effectively with terminally ill patients and their caregivers regarding end-of-life care preferences, all of which needs to occur earlier rather than later. This article also discusses various means of providing palliative care, and specific issues regarding device therapy, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and palliative sedation with concurrent discussion of the ethical ramifications and pitfalls of each.

Systematic Review of Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

BACKGROUND

The increasing survival of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) has shifted attention towards the disease burden that PAH imposes on patients and healthcare systems. Most studies emphasize epidemiology and medications, while large observational studies reporting on the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of patients with PAH are lacking.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to study the HRQOL of patients with PAH and to summarize the factors that influence it.

METHODS

We conducted systematic literature searches in English (PubMed, Web of Knowledge, ScienceDirect and OVID) and Chinese (China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, Chongqing VIP and SinoMed) databases to identify studies published from 2000 to 2015 assessing the HRQOL of patients with PAH. Search results were independently reviewed and extracted by two reviewers.

RESULTS

Of 3392 records identified in the initial search, 20 eligible papers (19 English, 1 Chinese) were finally included. Studies used a range of instruments; the generic 36-item Short Form Survey (SF-36) was the most widely used, and the disease-specific Cambridge Pulmonary Hypertension Outcome Survey (CAMPHOR) was the second mostly widely used. Mean HRQOL scores assessed via the SF-36 (physical component summary [PCS] 25.4-80.1; mental component summary [MCS] 33.2-76.0) and CAMPHOR (symptom scores 3.1-17; total HRQOL 2.8-12.6; activity scores 3.8-18.1) varied across studies, reporting decreased HRQOL in patients. Mental health (depression, anxiety, stress), physical health (exercise capacity, symptoms) and medical therapies were reported to affect HRQOL.

CONCLUSION

We found that PAH places a substantial burden on patients, particularly in terms of HRQOL; however, the paucity of large observational studies in this area requires the attention of researchers, especially in China.

Systematic Review of the Economic Burden of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), as a life-threatening disease with no efficient cure, may impose a tremendous economic burden on patients and healthcare systems. However, most existing studies have mainly emphasised epidemiology and medications, while large observational studies reporting on the economic burden are currently lacking.

OBJECTIVES

To review and evaluate evidence on the costs of PAH and the cost effectiveness of PAH treatments, and to summarise the corresponding cost drivers.

METHODS

Systematic literature searches were conducted in English-language databases (PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect) and Chinese-language databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, Chongqing VIP) to identify studies (published from 2000 to 2014) assessing the costs of PAH or the cost effectiveness of PAH treatments. The search results were independently reviewed and extracted by two reviewers. Costs were converted into 2014 US dollars.

RESULTS

Of 1959 citations identified in the initial search, 19 papers were finally included in this analysis: eight on the economic burden of PAH and 11 on economic evaluation of PAH treatments. The economic burden on patients with PAH was rather large, with direct healthcare costs per patient per month varying from $2476 to $11,875, but none of the studies reported indirect costs. Sildenafil was universally reported to be a cost-effective treatment, with lower costs and better efficacy than other medications. Medical costs were reported to be the key cost drivers.

CONCLUSION

The economic burden of patients with PAH is substantial, while the paucity of comprehensive country-specific evidence in this area and the lack of reports on indirect costs of PAH warrant researchers' concern, especially in China.

Palliative Care for the Geriatric Anesthesiologist

Many seriously ill geriatric patients are at higher risk for perioperative morbidity and mortality, and incorporating proactive palliative care principles may be appropriate. Advanced care planning is a hallmark of palliative care in that it facilitates alignment of the goals of care between the patient and the health care team. When these goals conflict, perioperative dilemmas can occur. Anesthesiologists must overcome many cultural and religious barriers when managing the care of these patients. Palliative care is gaining ground in several perioperative populations where integration with certain patient groups has occurred. Geriatric anesthesiologists must be aware of how palliative care and hospice influence and enhance the care of elderly patients.

The Experience of Family Caregivers of Patients With a Left Ventricular Assist Device

Objective:

The purpose of this review is to understand the experience of caregivers of patients with left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and to evaluate how health professionals can support them properly.

Background:

Left ventricular assist device can improve quality of life, enhance functional status, and prolong survival in patients with advanced heart failure. Nonetheless, LVAD can adversely influence quality of life for their family caregivers.

Methods:

An integrative literature review was conducted using scientific databases between January to March 2015.

Results:

A total of 15 studies are included in the final review. Three major themes emerged “emotional distress,” “responsibility,” and “coping strategies” that characterize family caregivers’ experiences with care of patients with LVAD.

Conclusion:

Health care providers should understand the pivotal role of caregivers in promoting and maintaining patients’ well-being and be able to help the caregiver to moderate the impact being overloaded. Research should be addressed to create interventions that motivate the caregivers to engage in activities that promote their health.

Mechanical circulatory support in the new era: an overview

This article is one of ten reviews selected from the Annual Update in Intensive Care and Emergency medicine 2016. Other selected articles can be found online at http://www.biomedcentral.com/collections/annualupdate2016. Further information about the Annual Update in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine is available from http://www.springer.com/series/8901.

[Rehabilitation standards for follow-up treatment and rehabilitation of patients with ventricular assist device (VAD)]

The increasing use of ventricular assist devices (VADs) in terminal heart failure patients provides new challenges to cardiac rehabilitation physicians. Structured cardiac rehabilitation strategies are still poorly implemented for this special patient group. Clear guidance and more evidence for optimal modalities are needed. Thereby, attention has to be paid to specific aspects, such as psychological and social support and education (e.g., device management, INR self-management, drive-line care, and medication).In Germany, the post-implant treatment and rehabilitation of VAD Patients working group was founded in 2012. This working group has developed clear recommendations for the rehabilitation of VAD patients according to the available literature. All facets of VAD patients' rehabilitation are covered. The present paper is unique in Europe and represents a milestone to overcome the heterogeneity of VAD patient rehabilitation.

Development and validation of a patient-centered knowledge scale for left ventricular assist device placement

BACKGROUND

A central tenet of patient-centered health care advocated by the Institute of Medicine and the American Medical Association is to enhance informed decision-making in a way that incorporates patient values, knowledge and beliefs. Achievement of this goal is constrained by a lack of validated measures of patients' knowledge needs.

METHODS

In this study we present a comprehensive and valid methodology for developing a clinically informed and patient-centered measure of knowledge about left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy to facilitate discussion and measure candidate understanding of treatment options. Using structured interviews with patients, caregivers, candidates for LVAD treatment (New York Heart Association Class III and IV) and expert clinicians (n = 71), we identified top patient decisional needs and perspectives on essential knowledge needs for informed decision-making. From this list, we generated 20 knowledge scale question items to refine in cognitive interviews (n = 5) with patients and patient consultants.

RESULTS

Good internal consistency and reliability of the knowledge scale (Cronbach's α = 0.81) was seen in 30 LVAD patients and candidates. Knowledge was higher among patients currently with LVADs than candidates, regardless of receiving standard education (with education: 69.9 vs 50.1, adjusted p = 0.02; without education: 69.9 vs 37.6, adjusted p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The LVAD knowledge scale may be useful in clinical settings to identify gaps in knowledge among patient candidates considering LVAD treatment, and to better tailor education and discussion with patients and their caregivers, and to enhance informed decision-making before treatment decisions are made.

When LVAD Patients Die: The Caregiver's Mourning

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have progressively evolved, particularly in the last 10 years, to serve patients affected by severe heart failure as a bridge to transplant or destination therapy. The survival rate and quality of life of pre- and postimplant patients, as well as caregivers' perceptions and distress, are under investigation by the scientific community. But what caregivers think and feel after the loss of their loved one has not so far been examined. We contacted 16 principal caregivers of deceased LVAD patients by telephone. They were asked to evaluate their experience with LVADs and were administered a specific questionnaire about their mourning, the Caregiver Mourning Questionnaire (CMQ), to evaluate their perceptions of the physical, emotional, and social support-related problems that they had experienced during the previous 3 months. Positive aspects reported by the caregivers were the patient's overall subjective well-being and increased survival. Negative aspects were the difficulty to manage infections and the driveline, and the incomplete autonomy of the patient. Half of the caregivers reported not being preadvised about many of the problems they would face. The CMQ revealed that numerous caregivers had health problems, difficulty in sleeping, eating disorders, lack of energy, and loneliness. Use of psychotropic drugs and regrets about how they assisted their loved one also emerged. In conclusion, caregivers of LVAD patients may experience complicated mourning. Our data support in particular the need for an early intervention of palliative care which could prevent or reduce complicated mourning.

Learning self-care after left ventricular assist device implantation

The number of heart failure (HF) patients living with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) as destination therapy is increasing. Successful long-term LVAD support includes a high degree of self-care by the patient and their caregiver, and also requires long-term support from a multidisciplinary team. All three components of self-care deserve special attention once an HF patient receives an LVAD, including activities regarding self-care maintenance (activities related both to the device and lifestyle), self-care monitoring (e.g., monitoring for complications or distress), and self-care management (e.g., handling alarms or coping with living with the device). For patients to perform optimal self-care once they are discharged, they need optimal education that focuses on knowledge and skills through a collaborative, adult learning approach.

Perspectives from mechanical circulatory support coordinators on the pre-implantation decision process for destination therapy left ventricular assist devices

OBJECTIVE

To understand mechanical circulatory support (MCS) coordinators' perspectives related to destination therapy left ventricular assist devices (DT LVAD) decision making.

BACKGROUND

MCS coordinators are central to the team that interacts with patients considering DT LVAD, and are well positioned to comment upon the pre-implantation process.

METHODS

From August 2012 to January 2013, MCS coordinators were recruited to participate in semi-structured, in-depth interviews. Established qualitative approaches were used to analyze and interpret data.

RESULTS

Eighteen MCS coordinators from 18 programs were interviewed. We found diversity in coordinators' roles and high programmatic variability in how DT LVAD decisions are approached. Despite these differences, three themes were consistently recommended: 1) DT LVAD is a major patient-centered decision: "you're your best advocate… this may not be the best choice for you"; 2) this decision benefits from an iterative, multidisciplinary process: "It is not a one-time conversation"; and 3) this process involves a tension between conveying enough detail about the process yet not overwhelming patients: "It's sometimes hard to walk that line to not scare them but not paint a rainbow and butterflies picture."

CONCLUSIONS

MCS coordinators endorsed a shared decision-making process that starts early, uses non-biased educational materials, and involves a multidisciplinary team sensitive to the tension between conveying enough detail about the therapy yet not overwhelming patients.

Emergent use of mechanical circulatory support devices: ethical dilemmas

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS) devices are 'life-sustaining devices' placed as a bridge to decision, either recovery, transplantation or a lifetime tether with the device. Cardiogenic shock may compromise patient autonomy, or the right for an individual patient to determine his own care. This review addresses an ethical dilemma in the context of complex clinical medical decision-making, during marked uncertainty for outcomes.

RECENT FINDINGS

The language in an advanced directive is often imprecise and may not provide clear guidance, especially for emergent decisions related to MCS devices. Despite improving outcomes, application of MCS in critical illness is associated with excessive morbidity and quality of life-limiting adverse outcomes. Several cohort experiences now exist that define deactivation of Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs) in futility as now deemed as morally and ethically appropriate. In contradistinction to euthanasia, deactivation of an LVAD does not introduce new intervention or an additional surgical injury, thereby allowing the patient to die from their original disorder.

SUMMARY

Clinicians must maintain the principle of patient autonomy, ensure the viability of an appropriate informed consent process and facilitate surrogate judgment. An interdisciplinary team-based approach is required, and, in some cases, assisted by formal ethics consultations in vexing situations.

Clinical psychological and neuropsychological issues with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs)

BACKGROUND

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are increasingly being used to treat patients in end-stage heart failure (HF) as bridge-to-transplantation, lifetime support or destination therapy. However, the importance of this newer technique for chronic cardiac support compared to heart transplantation is still open to discussion. To date, there are few studies that extensively explore the psychological and cognitive profiles of patient with ventricular assist devices (VADs).

METHODS

We studied the psychological aspects, quality of life (QOL) and cognitive profiles of 19 patients with HF before VAD implantation and then at two, five and 16 months post-implantation.

RESULTS

Our results showed that after VAD implantation, patients did not show any psychopathological problems such as anxiety and/or depression. More interestingly, despite the constant risk of neurological events determined by the continuous-blood-flow pump (CBFP), patients' cognitive functioning did not worsen. In fact, significant enhancements were observed over time.

CONCLUSIONS

Psychological and cognitive deficits are common in advanced HF and often worsen over time. Appropriately designed and randomized studies are needed to demonstrate whether earlier VAD implantation is warranted to arrest cognitive decline and encourage better post-implantation adaptation.

Decision making for destination therapy left ventricular assist devices: "there was no choice" versus "I thought about it an awful lot"

BACKGROUND

Destination therapy left ventricular assist devices (DT LVADs) are one of the most invasive medical interventions for end-stage illness. How patients decide whether or not to proceed with device implantation is unknown. We aimed to understand the decision-making processes of patients who either accept or decline DT LVADs.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Between October 2012 and September 2013, we conducted semistructured, in-depth interviews to understand patients' decision-making experiences. Data were analyzed using a mixed inductive and deductive approach. Twenty-two eligible patients were interviewed, 15 with DT LVADs and 7 who declined. We found a strong dichotomy between decision processes with some patients (11 accepters) being automatic and others (3 accepters, 7 decliners) being reflective in their approach to decision making. The automatic group was characterized by a fear of dying and an over-riding desire to live as long as possible: "[LVAD] was the only option I had…that or push up daisies…so I automatically took this." By contrast, the reflective group went through a reasoned process of weighing risks, benefits, and burdens: "There are worse things than death." Irrespective of approach, most patients experienced the DT LVAD decision as a highly emotional process and many sought support from their families or spiritually.

CONCLUSIONS

Some patients offered a DT LVAD face the decision by reflecting on a process and reasoning through risks and benefits. For others, the desire to live supersedes such reflective processing. Acknowledging this difference is important when considering how to support patients who are faced with this complex decision.

Preparedness planning before mechanical circulatory support: a "how-to" guide for palliative medicine clinicians

The role of palliative medicine in the care of patients with advanced heart failure, including those who receive mechanical circulatory support, has grown dramatically in the last decade. Previous literature has suggested that palliative medicine providers are well poised to assist cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, and the multidisciplinary cardiovascular team with promotion of informed consent and initial and iterative discussions regarding goals of care. Although preparedness planning has been described previously, the actual methods that can be used to complete a preparedness plan have not been well defined. Herein, we outline several key aspects of this approach and detail strategies for engaging patients who are receiving mechanical circulatory support in preparedness planning.

Prolegomena to any future mereology of the body

Many bioethical arguments rely implicitly on the assumption that the concept of "human part" is one on which everyone must agree, because it is unambiguous. But various parties interpret this "unambiguous" term in incompatible ways, leading to contention. This article is an informal presentation of a topomereological system on whose preferred interpretation several distinct but related meanings of "human part" can be isolated: part of a human body, part of the completion of a human body, and part of a human being. A case is analyzed (the first total artificial heart (TAH) implantation), demonstrating in the process much of the apparatus of the system. By means of a casuistic methodology, the analysis is translated into recommendations for the ethical conduct of future TAH research. The more general conclusion, however, is that formal methods may provide useful tools for clarifying thought processes and organizing arguments in debates over bioethical issues.

Ethical dilemmas surrounding the use of ventricular assist devices in supporting patients with end-stage organ dysfunction

Successful practice of cardiovascular medicine requires familiarity with the complex ethical issues that accompany therapeutic innovation and diffusion. Even as technologies transition from experimental to standard care, challenges remain. Mechanical circulatory support devices, for instance, are increasingly conceptualized as conventional therapies. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, the ethical issues surrounding the use of these devices in patients with end-stage organ dysfunction are becoming increasingly apparent. In this paper, we provide an introduction to ethical considerations related to the use of ventricular assist devices (VADs) in end-stage organ failure, focusing on three stages or decision points: initiation, continued use, and deactivation. Our goal is not to exhaustively resolve these dilemmas but to illustrate how ethical considerations relate to decision making.

Should eligibility for heart transplantation be a requirement for left ventricular assist device use? Recommendations based on a systematic review

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are used in chronic end-stage heart failure as "bridge to transplantation" (BTT) and, more recently, for transplant-ineligible patients as "destination therapy" (DT). We reviewed the evidence on clinical effects and cost-effectiveness of 2 types of continuous-flow LVADs (HeartMate II [HM II] and HeartWare), for BTT and DT patients. We systematically searched the scientific literature (January 2008-June 2012) and identified 14 clinical studies (approximately 2900 HM II and approximately 200 HeartWare patients), and 3 economic evaluations (HM II) using simulation models. Data were, however, limited to 2-3 studies per outcome. We made policy recommendations on the basis of our systematic review. Although complications after implantation are frequent, LVAD therapy is often highly effective across transplantation eligibility status and device, with 1-year survival reaching 86% for BTT and 78% for DT (compared with 25% for medical therapy). Neither BTT nor DT currently meet traditional cost-effectiveness limits in models using historical data, although BTT is standard practice for a limited number of patients in many regions. We found that BTT and DT as implantation strategies tend to be no longer mutually exclusive. We conclude that evidence is sufficient to support LVAD use, regardless of transplantation eligibility status, as long as patients are carefully selected and program infrastructure and budget are adequate. However, evidence gaps, limitations in economic models, and the lack of Canadian data point to the importance of mandatory, systematic monitoring of LVAD use and outcomes.

Self-care and communication issues at the end of life of recipients of a left-ventricular assist device as destination therapy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of self- care and communication issues at the end of life of patients with left-ventricular assist devices (LVADs) for destination therapy, based on recent research on end-of-life communication in other diseases.

RECENT FINDINGS

For many patients with advanced heart failure, LVADs as destination therapy improve survival and quality of life. However, LVADs can be associated with complications, new comorbidities or worsening of previous conditions, resulting in decreased quality of life and limited prognosis, raising the need for planning palliative and end-of-life care. Open communication addressing the consequences of the LVAD implantation for daily life and the future (including advance directives) is advised in different stages of the treatment, involving a multidisciplinary team taking care of these complex patients and their caregivers.

SUMMARY

Healthcare professionals treating patients before and after LVAD implantation need to take an active role in end-of-life discussions and be able to communicate information regarding expected complications, quality of life and prognosis to the patients and caregivers. Research is needed addressing optimal ways and timing of communication with LVAD patients and families.

Medical and nursing care of the child on mechanical circulatory support

OBJECTIVES

To review the medical and nursing care of children receiving mechanical circulatory support as part of the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Society/Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Joint Statement on Mechanical Circulatory Support. DATA SOURCES/STUDY SELECTION/DATA EXTRACTION/DATA SYNTHESIS: This is a general review of current issues of medical and nursing care of children on mechanical circulatory support. It consists of knowledge gained from practical experience combined with supporting evidence and/or discussion of controversies for which evidence exists or is inconclusive. The scope of this review includes assessment and monitoring, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and renal and fluid management, as well as infection prevention and treatment, neurological, and nutritional considerations. Physical and psychological care is discussed, as well as ethical and practical issues regarding termination of support.

CONCLUSIONS

There are unique aspects to the medical and nursing care of a patient requiring mechanical circulatory support. Preserving the possibility for cardiac recovery when possible and preventing damage to noncardiac organs are essential to maximizing the probability that patients will have quality survival following support with a mechanical circulatory support device.