#LVAD refers to Left Ventricular Assist Device, a heart pump aiding patients with severe heart failure. It's a lifesaving technology, raising awareness, sharing patient journeys, and fostering community support on TikTok.
BP for LVADs Welcome to #CritBits Day 25 LVADs create continuous blood flow, making standard BP cuffs ineffective. Here's how to get an accurate reading: 1. Grab a Doppler device & manual BP cuff (sphygmomanometer) 2. Find blood flow in antecubital fossa with Doppler 3. Inflate cuff until Doppler signal disappears 4. That point = Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) 5. Deflate to confirm Remember: • This measures MAP, not systolic/diastolic • For critically ill patients, consider an arterial line • LVADs deserve their own CritBit episode! Pro tip: Mark the spot where you find the flow for easier future readings. #LVAD#emergencymedicine#CriticalCare#MedicalEducation#heartfailure