Thomas Schlöglhofer, Anna-Sophie Grausenburger, Gregor Widhalm, Lisa Haberl, Wolfgang Suda, Harald Schwingenschlögl, Julia Riebandt, Günther Laufer, Dominik Wiedemann, Francesco Moscato, Daniel Zimpfer, Heinrich Schima
BACKGROUND: Despite design improvements in left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) over the past decade, limitations of external, wearable VAD components affect patient quality of life and safety. The aim of this study was to describe both user experience and human factor issues of 2 contemporary LVADs. METHODS: This single-center, cross-sectional study included LVAD outpatients who were at least 3 months after implantation. Before developing the 16-item survey, a systematic literature review and 2-round Delphi method involving 9 VAD clinicians were used to select items in 6 domains: power supply, emergency situations, wearability, mobility, and freedom to travel, user modifications, lifestyle, and home adaptations...
December 27, 2022: Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation