Anesthetic considerations for LVAD implantation

Mark Heath, MD
Department of Anesthesiology
Columbia University
New York Presbyterian Hospital
email: mh22@columbia.edu


pre-op:

central line in addition to PA/Cordis, blood warmer attached.

Abx: levofloxaxin 500mg
fluconazole
solumedrol

Avoid vecuronium, use cis-atracurium

Use aprotinin


Pre cpb
check for ASD/PFO
check for AI


Preparing to separate from cpb:

6U PRBC
12U plts
6U ffp


Available drips:
milrinone
dobutamine
vasopressin
levophed

Consider NO



Post CPB -

CHECK for ASD/PFO - BEFORE PROTAMINE!!
check for AI
check for LV emptying
compare thermodilution cardiac output with LVAD flow

After protamine, send CBC and coags before giving products

CPMC active study protocols: