Use a HeartMate / HeartWare LVAD Shirt and Continue with Your Normal Life:

26 June 2019

Table of Contents:

What is an LVAD shirt, and how does it help with your life?.................................................. 1

Key Differences between HeartMate and HeartWare LVAD Shirts: ..................................................1

What are the benefits of the LVAD Shirt?.................................................. 2

∙ Hands-Free Support:.................................................. 2

∙ Comfort and Skin Protection:.................................................. 2

∙ Discreet and Stylish: ..................................................2

∙ Mobility and Confidence:.................................................. 2

∙ Improved Sleeping: .................................................. 2

Why should you choose your HeartMate and HeartWare LVAD Shirts at LVADGear? .................................................. 3

Safety First: .................................................. 3

Performance Fabric: .................................................. 3

Variety Matters: .................................................. 3

How should you choose your LVAD Shirt? .................................................. 3

Conclusion: .................................................. 3

FAQs: .................................................. 3

What is a HeartMate or HeartWare LVAD shirt used for? .................................................. 3

Can I live a normal life while using a HeartMate 3 LVAD? .................................................. 4

Is there special clothing for people with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD)? .................................................. 4

What makes HeartMate LVAD shirts different from regular clothing? .................................................. 4

What accessories work best with HeartMate 3 LVAD devices? .................................................. 4

You often get confused and even have anxiety about handling the LVAD device and keeping its components all the time, with no exceptions. That is why life after having an LVAD can be different. But did you know people living with an LVAD still manage to stay active and confident all day? Yes, it is possible.

Technology is advancing every day, and we have to modify our lifestyles to keep pace with it. As we know, the Left Ventricular Assist Device gives a second chance to patients with heart failure, but we understand that carrying an LVAD all the time can be uncomfortable. Although the devices are getting designed smaller and smaller but it can be troublesome for you, as it may slow down your routine, and might be a real nightmare for you when traveling.

When Brent, the owner of LVADGear, received his LVAD, he knew something had to be done to make life with an LVAD easier. This is why we introduce the HeartMate LVAD Shirt and the HeartWare LVAD Shirt as the perfect way to continue with your life without additional bothersome setbacks.

What is an LVAD shirt, and how does it help with your life?

If you have received a heart pump, you are probably asking yourself: “How am I supposed to carry all these external parts without worrying about something going wrong?” At first, it is completely natural to focus on protecting your device, after all, it is supporting your life. But as you start to come into a normal routine, you may start to feel awkward or uncomfortable from carrying the controller and batteries everywhere you go. A study revealed that LVADs help improve heart failure symptoms and some aspects of quality of life, but patients still face physical limits and need time to adjust. Complications and psychological stress are common, and caregivers also feel a big impact.

Sounds familiar? Here is some good news: we have solutions that can make your life a whole lot easier.

Let’s talk about comfort with style. Do you know there is an LVAD-specific shirt out there that is actually designed to hold the controller and batteries without compromising its protection? You don’t have to stress about tugging on the driveline, removal, or accidental falls anymore, because that was the sole reason to design an LVAD shirt in the first place.

Worried about whether there’s a shirt for your specific device? Brands like LVADGear offer LVAD lifestyle accessories according to the specific type of device you have. No matter if you have HeartMate 2, HeartMate 3 LVAD, or HeartWare systems, they offer LVAD support shirts that best accommodate each type and allow you to move freely.

Key Differences between HeartMate and HeartWare LVAD Shirts:

HeartMate III vs. HeartWare devices are both being used by many of you. So, LVADGear designed their shirts with both of these devices in mind. Firstly, we have named our shirts according to the device type, like Heartmate LVAD shirts are designed to carry Heartmate II and HeartMate III devices, while HeartWare LVAD Shirts are best suitable for the HeartWare devices. Both of these shirts differ in many aspects, but what is the key difference? Their pocket layout.

HeartMate shirts usually have two large side battery pockets and a front or side controller pocket, which is suitable for you to adjust and accommodate large-sized, longer batteries and a controller.
On the other hand, HeartWare shirts often feature high chest pockets in the center due to the small device shape.
When it comes to weight distribution, LVAD HeartMate 3 clothing perfectly balances the weight of the batteries across both sides, and HeartWare shirts place weight more centrally for balance.
According to your activity level, HeartMate LVAD shirts are ideal for an active lifestyle, and HeartWare is more suitable for casual use or under clothing.

Which one is right for you? Both shirts are ideal for carrying LVAD components of the specific type and help you move confidently through your day. So choose according to your specific LVAD type.

What are the benefits of the LVAD Shirt?

LVAD supports your heart functioning 24/7, which means you cannot remove the device, and you have to keep it secured while minimizing your discomfort. LVAD shirts provide you with the luxury of carrying the LVAD without compromising on your activity level and social interaction. Here is why a dedicated LVAD shirt can make your everyday life safer and easier:

Hands-Free Support: Built-in compartments in an LVAD shirt keep your controller and batteries secured, which means you do not need to carry a bag or manage a messed-up wires throughout the day.
Comfort and Skin Protection: The driveline can irritate your skin, but an LVAD shirt decreases the friction on the driveline, which helps to reduce the risk of skin irritation. Many designs of LVAD shirts at LVADGear are made of breathable, soft fabrics suitable for your daily wear.
Discreet and Stylish: Are you worried that you will look different while wearing LVAD components? Don’t be. Most LVAD shirts look like regular athletic or undershirts, which helps you to remain confident in public. Plus, you do not have to sacrifice your style.
Mobility and Confidence: LVAD shirts give you more freedom to move, perform exercise, and go about your routine with peace of mind. It keeps your LVAD equipment in position and promotes stability.
Improved Sleeping: The LVAD sleeping belt allows you to sleep peacefully with almost no chances of device discomfort. Many patients experience improved sleep cycles after using LVAD apparel.

It is suggested that a multidimensional approach that can work for both mental and social aspects can help patients adjust to living with an LVAD more easily, which means that if we choose wisely and make necessary arrangements, we can still maintain a high life quality.

Why should you choose your HeartMate and HeartWare LVAD Shirts at LVADGear?

Safety First:

The LVADGear shirt features a double-locking system that will secure your controller and keep it safely connected. The top of the battery pocket is secured and sealed, which will keep it in place while you are busy with some activity. The shape of the battery is concealed by a special material that absorbs the battery's weight. Do not worry; there is a window on the pocket that lets you read all the valuable information from the system.

Performance Fabric:

The shirt material contains a coating with Anti-Microbial technology that protects against stains, odors, and other decay caused by bacteria. Besides this coating, the shirt is made from spandex (polyester), which fits well around your body and keeps you dry and cool during hot days via its anti-moisture properties. This is the same material used in professional sportsmen's equipment. This material is “breathable” and lets your inner heat escape.

Variety Matters:

There is a wide selection of sizes when you have to choose your HeartMate and HeartWare LVAD shirt. LVAD Gear offers sizes from Small to 3XL. Since the comfortable clothing for LVAD patients is generally designed to be worn under your clothes, they are available in white and black.

How should you choose your LVAD Shirt?

When selecting an LVAD shirt for you, have the following instructions in mind:

Choose the right shirt according to the LVAD types explained. For example, if you have a HeartMate device, choose a HeartMate LVAD shirt. Similarly, you can select your shirt according to the specific device (HeartMate II, HeartMate 3, or HeartWare).
Always prefer a quality fabric with high durability, which also provides comfort. Choose cotton fabric or material that is moisture-absorbing.
An LVAD shirt must have easy access points for proper and easy dressing changes and regular follow-ups.
Choose a high-quality brand like LVADGear for a complete experience, as they do not compromise on your comfort and functionality.

Conclusion:

Carrying your LVAD equipment does not have to feel like a burden anymore. Imagine wearing a shirt that makes you forget that you are on an artificial heart support, and lets you focus on your life instead of managing or taking care of the device. That is exactly why HeartMate LVAD Shirts and the HeartWare LVAD Shirts are here. No matter if you are busy at work or just having an exercise session, feel free and confident with proper LVAD gear. Why settle for anything less when you have an opportunity to live independently with LVADGear?

FAQs:

What is a HeartMate or HeartWare LVAD shirt used for?

A HeartMate or HeartWare LVAD shirt is designed for patients who have an LVAD device implanted in their heart. These shirts carry and perfectly accommodate the components of LVAD, like the controller and the batteries, so that the patient doesn’t need to worry about them all the time.

Can I live a normal life while using a HeartMate 3 LVAD?

Yes, you can still live a life like a normal person while using a HeartMate 3 LVAD. You may have to modify your lifestyle, but you can perform daily activities, exercise, enjoy social life, and travelling.

Is there special clothing for people with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD)?

Yes, there is LVAD-specific clothing for people with a Left Ventricular Assist device, usually known as LVAD apparel or LVAD gear. It includes LVAD shirts, LVAD sleeping belts, bags, and tank tops that are specifically designed to hold the controller and batteries.

What makes HeartMate LVAD shirts different from regular clothing?

Unlike regular clothing, HeartMate LVAD shirts have pockets and closures to hold batteries and the controller, have loops to manage cables, and have an anti-bacterial technology that prevents bacterial growth.

What accessories work best with HeartMate 3 LVAD devices?

The HeartMate 3 device system uses a variety of accessories like LVAD vests, LVAD belts, and bags for the convenience and protection of the equipment.