What's your perspective?

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I recently read the article "Living with a Total Artificial Heart: Patients' Perspectives" by Laura Savage MSN, RN et al. She interviewed 10 total artificial heart patients who were in the hospital while waiting for a transplant. So what did she find out?

Patients were looking for hope for the future. Other common sub-themes included :

• Reflections - on severity of illness, progress, and expressed optimism
• For Better or For Worse - how symptoms improved but were offset by restrictions imposed by the technology
• The Secret Club - support provided to help deal with their life situation
• Coping and Adaptation - coming to terms with and accepting their circumstances

Have you experienced those feelings on your journey to transplant? How have you coped with waiting?

Please share so that others may have some insight on your experience and learn from it.

Savage LS, Salyer J, Flattery MP, Alburger L, Joyce K, Mann B, Ravindar M, Gonzalez M. (2012). Living with a total artificial heart: Patients' perspectives. Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing

E-published ahead of print November 14, 2012.

SynCardia

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SynCardia has information on the most widely used artificial heart. Experiences from around the world are shared on this site including Certified Center locations. Patients/Family members and medical professionals can find news on how the technology is progressing including a new console called Companion 2, an updated, smaller, improved version of "Big Blue" for in-hospital use. Information on home discharge using the Freedom Driver is also available.

Source: SynCardia Systems, Inc.

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The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute provides all the basics on total artificial hearts. Whether an artificial heart is in your future or your loved one is in surgery now, there is just in time information for you. Learn about how the artificial heart works and clinical research trials available for the artificial heart.

National Heart Lung and Blood Institute

The The History of the Artificial Heart

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Use this link to read about the history of artificial hearts from Dr. Robert Jarvik, the inventor of the first successful permanent artificial heart, the Jarvik 7 implanted in 1982. The Jarvik 7 later became the CadioWest Temporary Total Artificial Heart currently manufactured by SynCardia Inc. and in use today.

                                                          Dr. Robert Jarvik

http://www.jarvikheart.com/basic.asp?id=69The History The History of Artifical Hearts by Dr. Jarvikof Artifical Hearts from Dr. Jarvik

American Heart Association

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So you are waiting for a new heart? The American Heart Association has tips on how to eat healthy and keep your blood pressure and cholesterol under control so you will be ready.  Information on heart failure which leads to needing an artificial heart is also on the site.

Click on the links below for more information.

American Heart Association Heart Hub for patients

American Heart Association Ventricular Assist Devices

American Heart Association Surgical Procedures for Heart Failure

AbioCor

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The AbioCor is a replacement heart for patients who are not eligible for transplant. This is the website of the manufacturer Abiomed. Information about the device is available and a link to submit your story.

http://www.abiomed.com/products/heart-replacement/

Welcome!

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My name is Kim Nelson. I am a Clinical Nurse Specialist who works with patients with artificial hearts. I am also a doctoral student at the University of Virginia. I have met some of you with artificial hearts but there are a growing number. I would like to provide you and your families/friends a place to share your experience and support each other. I look forward to the opportunity to learn from you and hopefully improve the care of artificial heart patients.