Management of outpatients with implantable left ventricular assist device in Tohoku region

Continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are becoming the standard therapy for patients with end-stage heart failure in Japan since 2011.The number of centers approved for implantable LVADs therapy becomes more than 30; however, there are still only two LVAD centers in Tohoku region. We have had 16 outpatients in 6 prefectures in Tohoku region. To prepare for the emergency after the patients discharged; we met and educated the local emergency department staff, medical services providers, and patients' co-worker. Four patients underwent heart-transplantation and 12 patients are still outpatient. Re admission rate was 1.09 times/patient/per year. Its main causes were driveline infection and neurologic complications. QOL for patient s with LVADs significantly improved; however, we should make on effort to diminish the re-admission rate. Furthermore, follow up system for these patients should be established.