What should never be performed on an LVAD patient?

LVAD is a life-supporting device that significantly improves the quality of life. However, you need to make some modifications to your lifestyle to keep yourself and your device safe at all times. LVAD indeed gives you a new life, but it also comes with certain restrictions that protect both you and the LVAD pump. So, you need to know about what to avoid and what essential precautions you should take to keep everything organized and protected.

Let’s discuss in detail what to avoid and what to perform with caution.

What should be avoided after an LVAD?

Living with an LVAD comes with great care, as some of the activities can put your device at risk, so you'd better avoid them to prevent any complications. Here are some of the important activities you need to avoid:

MRI:

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) should never be performed in an LVAD patient because the LVAD pump is made up of material that can be affected when placed in a magnetic field. The strong magnetic field inside the MRI machine can interfere with the functioning of the LVAD pump, which can lead to malfunctioning and even lead to serious injury. So you should never enter a space with a strong magnetic field after an LVAD.

Swimming:

No matter how much you want, you should never ever submerge your body in water, which means you cannot swim with an LVAD. The LVAD components, including batteries, the controller, and the driveline, are not waterproof. And if the device gets wet, it could damage the pump, which is considered a medical emergency. Other than this, getting the driveline wet can lead to serious infection. So to avoid any of these serious complications, don’t submerge your body in a bathtub or pool.

Leaving the Device without Power:

Your LVAD pump operates with power that is usually supplied through batteries. So, it must be connected all the time to the power source. Even a disconnection for a short time can be risky. In case of a low battery, always carry an extra pair of fully charged batteries with you wherever you go.

Ignoring Alarms:

Never ignore the alarms whenever they beep, as they indicate that something is wrong, whether it is due to low power or device malfunctioning. So, you need to take action immediately when your alarm beeps.

Sudden Movements like Bending or Twisting:

Sudden movements like bending and twisting put trauma to the driveline area, which further increases the chances of infection. Always carry your LVAD device in an organized way with the help of LVAD apparel and accessories.

No Contact Sports:

Contact sports like football, basketball, and soccer are linked to vigorous activities like jumping and running that can lead to forceful physical impact. This force either damages your driveline or increases the risk of internal bleeding by damaging the pump. So, you must strictly avoid contact sports due to the high risk of serious injury.

Activities to perform with caution after LVAD:

While LVAD demands you to avoid certain things, it does not mean that you need to stay still and avoid everything. You can still enjoy your life after LVAD. You just need proper planning of how you move, rest, and manage your daily routine. Here are some of the things you should do with extra care:

Engage in Moderate Exercise:

Participating in light to moderate exercise is a part of rehabilitation after an LVAD, and it also helps to speed up the recovery process. It is also necessary to make you feel normal, which gives you peace of mind. Whenever you engage in exercise, always consult with your doctor and take advice on the safe activity level.

Showering & Bathing:

As discussed earlier, you cannot submerge in the water with an LVAD. So, you need to find safe methods for showering and bathing. After initial recovery, when your doctor suggests and you learn safe methods of showering with an LVAD, you can maintain your personal hygiene.

Driving:

Driving after an LVAD is not a complete restriction, but you need to get approval from your healthcare team first. After initial recovery, you are allowed to take short drives. But you must observe your health first. Always avoid driving if you don’t feel like yourself.

BP Measurement:

You can’t take a blood pressure measurement with the standard technique, as the LVAD pump provides a continuous blood supply with no pulse. For LVAD users, your healthcare measures your arterial blood flow through a special technique known as Doppler ultrasound.

Sleeping position:

During sleep, you must avoid putting pressure on your abdominal area. So it is advised to sleep on your back or side. Sleeping on your stomach may put pressure on your equipment and will be uncomfortable.

Can you perform CPR on an LVAD patient?

This is a common and important question. LVAD patients do not have a pulse, even when the device is working perfectly, so CPR can be tricky. Here is what you need to do when you see an LVAD patient who has become unconscious:

1. Check if the device is running perfectly. Listen for the hum of the device.
2. Make sure that the controller is connected and the batteries are working properly.
3. If the device is not working, check the power.
4. If the patient still isn’t responsive after checking connections, start chest compressions and call emergency services immediately.
5. Follow the guidelines of your LVAD team in times of emergency.

How to Stay Safe While Protecting Your LVAD?

Here are some of the suggestions for you to keep you and your device safe all the time:

• Carry your device with proper LVAD gear like an LVAD shirt, an LVAD vest, and LVAD shorts, which keep the device safe in place and wires organized.
• Use specific LVAD apparel according to every moment of the day. For example, use an LVAD sleeping belt while sleeping and an LVAD active pack during physical activity.
• Always carry a backup power source.
• Keep the driveline site clean and covered.
• Avoid water exposure and dusty environments.
• Stay alert for alarms and unusual noises.
• Keep your emergency contact card with you at all times.

Small daily precautions make a big difference in keeping your LVAD running smoothly and your lifestyle active.

Final Thoughts:

Living with an LVAD can greatly improve your life, but it comes with important safety guidelines. You should avoid activities like MRI scans, swimming, and contact sports, as they can harm both you and the device. Always stay connected to power and pay attention to any alarms.

While certain activities need caution, you can still enjoy life with moderate exercise, proper showering techniques, and careful driving. Remember, always follow your doctor’s advice and take care of yourself to keep your LVAD working well.

FAQs:

Can you travel with an LVAD?

Yes, travelling with an LVAD is possible after complete recovery. It may need proper planning and preparation, but you may need to manage and protect your device.

Can I go through airport security scanners?

Always inform security staff. Metal detectors are usually fine, but full-body scanners should be avoided.

Can I exercise after getting an LVAD?

Yes! Light exercise, like walking or moderate exercise, is a part of the recovery plan. You just need to follow the plan of your rehab specialist.