Biomedical Engineering and Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) Program Support: The Ottawa Heart Institute Experience

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease is one of the major leading causes of death in Canada. Alongside this is the increasing prevalence of congestive heart failure (CHF). While heart transplantation is the preferred therapy for end-stage CHF, the availability of donor hearts is severely limited. This has seen the growing acceptance of mechanical circulatory support devices as a proven and effective treatment. The University of Ottawa Heart Institute (UOHI), has taken a prominent role in the utilization of ventricular assist devices (VAD) as an effective treatment for CHF. This program is a multidisciplinary collaboration including cardiac surgery, cardiology, anesthesiology, perfusion, nursing, and biomedical engineering (BME). Each of these disciplines offers a unique skill set to maximize the success of patient outcomes. BME plays a unique technical support role in the program and, being responsible for the life cycle management of medical devices at UOHI, plays a key role in VAD device management as well. BME participates in technology readiness including procurement, technical support including emergency and scheduled maintenance, on-call support, inventory control, and technology assessment. In addition, BME performs patient home inspections, and patient and family education. As a member of the UOHI Transplant Committee, BME offers technical viewpoints on a weekly basis regarding technology issues and device status pertaining to VAD patients. BME also coordinates with VAD patients at home to ensure their technology is assessed on a regular basis. The unique expertise and perspective that BME offers the program contributes to one of the longest and successful VAD programs in Canada.