Quality of Life Outcomes in Left Ventricular Assist System Inpatients and Outpatients

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Abstract
This study empirically evaluates the quality of life (QOL) effects associated with hospital discharge among heart transplant candidates whose lives are maintained by left ventricular support systems (LVAS). Thirty-five LVAS inpatients (18 Novacor, 17 Thoratec) received structured QOL assessments approximately 1 month after device implant. Ten of the patients (8 Novacor, 2 Thoratec) were subsequently discharged to either home or a home-like outpatient facility where their QOL was reassessed. The QOL of LVAS patients, before and after discharge, was compared with that of demographically similar nonhospitalized heart transplant candidates (n = 55) and recipients (n = 97). Their caregivers' QOL was also assessed. The QOL of LVAS outpatients showed statistically significant (p ASAIO Journal

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