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

摘要: 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 compared transplantation is still open discussion. To date, there few studies that extensively explore psychological and cognitive profiles patient with (VADs). Methods: We studied aspects, quality life (QOL) 19 HF before VAD implantation then at two, five 16 months post-implantation. Results: Our results showed after implantation, did not show any psychopathological problems such anxiety and/or depression. More interestingly, despite constant risk neurological events determined by continuous-blood-flow pump (CBFP), patients’ functioning worsen. In fact, significant enhancements were observed over time. Conclusions: Psychological deficits common advanced often worsen time. Appropriately designed randomized needed demonstrate whether earlier warranted arrest decline encourage better post-implantation adaptation.