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Marian D. Caregiver

explantation experience?

My husband's heart function has improved after 3 yrs with a Heartmate II and now is faced with the problem of reduced flow through the LVAD and may need to have the VAD turned off. Stroke threat is high and red blood cells are being lysed, so he is hospitalized. Actually removing the device is not being recommended by his Drs. They will just cut the driveline. Does anyone have any input on recovery post VAD shut off/removal? We are not finding much information on long-term results. Heart transplant is still an option, but as he has been on the list already for 2 years, not a high probability.