Patients and Caregivers Forums

Hello We are students at University of Toronto learning about LVAD and blood pressure. We are working with cardiologists and engineers to try and see how we can improve the blood pressure measuring experience for patients and caregivers. If you have a few minutes to answer a quick 10-question survey...

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

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...

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 got his LVAD 11/27/2019, the day before Thanksgiving. He was kept sedated for more than two weeks due to problems breathing on his own and the right side of his heart not keeping up with the LVAD. He's been off the sedation for ALMOST a week now and still is not really responding to...

Has anyone out there in LVAD land been successful in changing their own driveline dressings and if so, please pass along how you do it. I can only get so far before I have to let my wife finish the job. I currently do a sterile dressing change but am having a hard time lining up the tagaderm and...

My brother received his LVAD on 02/02/2015. We went through the same search. The vest he received in hospital was uncomfortable for him. At one of his therapy sessions we found the answer. I replicated an idea a fellow patient's wife devised for him. We use mans tank tops which I modify. Turn shirt...