The Rehabilitation of Patients With Advanced Heart Failure After Left Ventricular Assist Device Placement: A Narrative Review

Sarah M. Eickmeyer*, Kim D. Barker, Anjum Sayyad, Leslie Rydberg

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

Because more patients with advanced heart failure are receiving a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) as destination therapy or a bridge to transplantation, there is increasing attention on functional outcomes and quality of life after LVAD implantation. Rehabilitation providers in the acute inpatient rehabilitation setting increasingly will treat patients with an LVAD and should understand the exercise physiology, medical management, rehabilitation considerations, and outcomes after rehabilitation for patients with an LVAD. The purpose of this article is to provide the physiatrist with a comprehensive understanding of the rehabilitation of patients with advanced heart failure and LVAD implantation. Changes in relevant organ system physiology and exercise physiology after LVAD are summarized. Safety of rehabilitation and program considerations for acute inpatient rehabilitation are reviewed. Recommendations for medical management and prevention of secondary complications seen in patients with an LVAD are outlined. A discussion of outcomes after acute inpatient rehabilitation, the dual diagnosis of stroke and LVAD placement, and long-term cognitive, functional, and quality-of-life outcomes after LVAD placement is presented.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)64-75
Number of pages12
JournalPM and R
Volume11
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2019

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
  • Rehabilitation
  • Neurology
  • Clinical Neurology

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