ABSTRACT
A mechanical circulatory support team is an integral part of a heart failure treatment program. The cardiothoracic surgeon should be trained in all aspects of device usage including patient selection, device implantation and perioperative management. Heart failure cardiologists receive variable exposure to mechanical blood pump technology during their training. A mechanical blood pump system should only be utilized at an institution staffed and capable of conducting open heart operations. Most cardiac transplant programs eventually decide to develop a mechanical blood pump program to allow potential transplant recipients who deteriorate hemodynamically to be supported with a device until a cardiac transplant can be performed. Once a ventricular assist device (VAD) system is purchased arrangements must be made to provide maintenance and up-keep of the mechanical components. When a VAD system is acquired by a hospital, principal individuals involved in the care of VAD patients are usually required to attend an off-site training program provided by the device manufacturer.
