Centrifugal Ventricular Assist Devices

A centrifugal ventricular assist device (VAD) uses centrifugal force to propel blood through nonocclusive pumpheads. Blood is diverted from either the right atrium or left atrium to a disposable pumphead. Then kinetic energy is added to blood contained within the VAD by rotating it at high speed. Centrifugal force generates energy which causes the blood to rise from the pump-head’s base, thus forcing a return flow direction. Centrifugal VAD design has been used to sustain myocardial function when patients could not be weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass and as a bridge to transplantation. Interaction between centrifugal VAD and human hosts are complicated and multisystemic. Therefore a multidisciplinary VAD support team is most efficacious. A case study, nursing diagnoses, and care plan provide a comprehensive overview of nursing management for this patient population