Abstract
Introduction: Despite an increasing population of patients supported with a left ventricular assist
device (LVAD), it remains a complex therapy, and patients are frequently admitted. Therefore, a strict
follow-up including frequent hospital visits, patient self-management and telemonitoring is needed.
Areas covered: The current review describes the principles of LVADs, the possibilities of (tele)monitoring using noninvasive and invasive devices. Furthermore, possibilities, challenges, and future perspectives in this emerging field are discussed.
Expert Opinion: Several studies described initial experiences on telemonitoring in LVAD patients, using
mobile phone applications to collect clinical data and pump data. This may replace frequent hospital
visits in near future. In addition, algorithms were developed aiming to early detect pump thrombosis or
driveline infections. Since not all complications are reflected by pump parameters, data from different
sources should be combined to detect a broader spectrum of complications in an early stage. We need
to focus on the development of sophisticated but understandable algorithms and infrastructure
combining different data sources, while addressing essential aspects such as data safety, privacy, and
cost-effectiveness.
device (LVAD), it remains a complex therapy, and patients are frequently admitted. Therefore, a strict
follow-up including frequent hospital visits, patient self-management and telemonitoring is needed.
Areas covered: The current review describes the principles of LVADs, the possibilities of (tele)monitoring using noninvasive and invasive devices. Furthermore, possibilities, challenges, and future perspectives in this emerging field are discussed.
Expert Opinion: Several studies described initial experiences on telemonitoring in LVAD patients, using
mobile phone applications to collect clinical data and pump data. This may replace frequent hospital
visits in near future. In addition, algorithms were developed aiming to early detect pump thrombosis or
driveline infections. Since not all complications are reflected by pump parameters, data from different
sources should be combined to detect a broader spectrum of complications in an early stage. We need
to focus on the development of sophisticated but understandable algorithms and infrastructure
combining different data sources, while addressing essential aspects such as data safety, privacy, and
cost-effectiveness.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 677-685 |
| Journal | Expert Review of Medical Devices |
| Volume | 19 |
| Issue number | 9 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2022 |
Keywords
- Left ventricular assist device
- LVAD
- remote monitoring
- algorithms
- prediction
- circadian rhythm