Heart Failure and the Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD)

Chest Compressions

In the event of cardiac arrest, external chest compressions pose a risk due to the location of the LVAD outflow graft on the aorta and inflow cannulation of the left ventricle Disruption of an anastomosis site could lead to fatal hemorrhage Use clinical judgment when deciding whether or not to perform external chest compressions ©iStockphoto.com/JanekWD