Upstream palliative care for the patient with a left ventricular assist device as destination therapy

Abstract

Left ventricular assist devices are increasingly being used as destination therapy for heart failure patients who are not candidates for a heart transplant. The palliative care needs of this population will continue to grow as devices become more effective and more left ventricular assist devices are implanted. As part of an integrated multidisciplinary team, nurses are vital to successful outcomes for these patients.