Diagnosis
Table 1. Recommended Diagnostics for Assessment of Patients
on Mechanical Circulatory Support
Chemistries
CBC
Urine analysis
LDH
PT/INR
ECG
Chest x-ray
Consider pacemaker interrogation
Table 2. Stroke in Patients With a VAD
Evaluation of Stroke
Assessment Purpose
PT/PTT, INR Guide management of anticoagulation
Head CT scan Assess severity and type of stroke
(hemorrhagic vs. ischemic)
Doppler blood pressure Manage hypertension
CTA of the neck and/or carotid Doppler
(if not completed before LVAD insertion)
Assess for alternative causes of stroke
CT of the chest and CXR Assess device positioning (look for kinking of
cannula or device obstruction)
Neurolog y and/or neurosurgical consultation Make recommendations for stroke
management (BP guidelines, surgical
intervention if hemorrhagic, etc.)