Patients and Caregivers Forums

I received a HeartMate III LVAD on 1/25/19. I have been home from the hospital for 5 days and I am using a Thoratec vest that was given to me at the hospital.I am ready to order mens clothing to accommodate my LVAD and would appreciate some advice. The batteries are now hanging on my side and the...

Hello everyone, I am familiar with VADs because I am a cardiovascular perfusionist - the person who operates the heart lung machine. At the hospital I work at were are very involved in VAD implant surgery, but also are responsible for taking care of VAD patients when they come to the operating room...

My mother had an lvad implant in June 2019. The waist binders she has to keep her driveline secure are rough and scratchy. Does anyone have suggestions for alternate binders. She’s fairly petite. I appreciate any suggestions!

Our local LVAD hospital is, like all others, running short of gloves and other supplies. If you are a Heartmate 3 user I know you have extra gloves and hand sanitizers in your kits. If you do have extras why don't you save them and take them with you on your next visit or get them to the ER. It's...

Hi, I'm a 35 y/o caregiver to my dad with heart failure. The hospital LVAD educator suggested I speak with the people on here for more information from people who have actually been there. Up until recently, my father has an EF around 10%, does not use oxygen, can walk short distances, and can...

LVAD Battery dock, batteries(8), power module deck w/25 ft. Cord for sleeping, LVAD bag, battery tops, kits, gauze, betadine packs, lots of extra gear, and record of maintenance. Well taken care of and has been plugged in and maintained since removal. Was all brand new equipment when removed. Lots...

Leaky valve 2.5 years after surgery

Hello, I am in the process of designing a new LVAD shirt and would like feedback from patients and caregivers regarding LVAD wearable clothing items. Please take a few minutes to respond to the survey below. Thank you! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/G656YDR

Hey y'all, I am a senior in college in a group working on our senior project. We are developing an improvement in mobility and reducing infection for the driveline exit site. In order to survey customer needs, we made a ~7 minute questionare if y'all have time it would be much appreciated. This...

If you had a chance to perform research about LVADs, which question would you like to be answered?

My husband bought a Freedom Undervest by Medi-Materials, XL size, white. He tried it on but has not worn it. Cost new is $49.95. He decided to stay with his around-the-waist belt. Will sell and ship vest for $30. I'm happy to answer questions. Patricia

PLEASE EMAIL US DIRECTLY FOR INSTRUCTIONS at Hankpattyrichmond@sbcglobal.net. We have received and filled hundreds of requests for the LVAD vest instructions. We hope that you were able to make your vest and are enjoying its benefits. My name is Hank Richmond. I received my LVAD on Friday the 13th...

Hello, my name is Chris and I have had my HeartWare LVAD for a little over a year now. Life with the device had gone mostly as well as could be expected although I have experienced one problem that is quite a nuisance and was wondering if anyone had some feedback or advice on how to tackle this...

Hello Everyone! I am a product design student at the University of Cincinnati with a friend who has an LVAD. Since witnessing her experience as a young 20 year old living with an LVAD, I have been inspired to do my thesis project on trying to address some of the frustrations and pain points...

My husband wears a canceal weapon under armour shirt to hold his batteries and I sew on a pocket in the front for his controller. Go to Tactile Gear.com. I t does work great.

If loaded properly, the LVAD Undervest will help with most of the problems associated with carrying your external equipment in a bag. Namely, skin irritation from driveline anchors, trauma and pain at the exit wound site, driveline fractures and infections, shoulder and back pain and, the worry of...

I am 26, in fair condition, well enough to exercise and want to add jumping to my exercise program but the controller and two batteries aren't held stable well enough with anything I have. Does anyone have suggestions? Thanks