Table 3. Causes of VAD Alarms
Potential
Causes Advisory (Noncritical) Critical
Power • Power source disconnect
• Low battery power
• System controller internal battery
depleted
• Driveline disconnect
• Depleted batteries
• Power module disconnect (if not
connected to batteries)
Hardware • System controller dysfunction
• Lead fracture
• Pump stoppage (failure)
• System controller malfunction
Low flow • Low flow and/or suction event
• Speed too high or low
• Hypovolemia
• RV dysfunction
• Tamponade
• Inflow cannula obstruction
• Hypertension
• Inflow/outflow obstruction
• Arrhythmia
• Extremely low flow
• Speed too high or low
• Hypovolemia
• RV dysfunction
• Tamponade
• Inflow cannula obstruction
• Hypertension
• Inflow/outflow obstruction
• Arrhythmia
• RV dysfunction
High power • Increased power
• Thrombus
• Hypertension
• Electric fault
Evaluation • Call primary LVAD team
• Assess urgently within 24 h
• Auscultate over the device
Doppler blood pressure
• PT/PTT, INR
• LDH
• ECG
• CT/CXR to assess cannula/device
positioning
• Inspect power cable connections
• Call primary LVAD team
• Immediate evaluation
• Auscultate over the device
• Doppler blood pressure
• PT/PTT, INR
• LDH
• ECG
• Inspect driveline and power cable
connections (broken pins)
• Pulmonary artery catheterization
Management
options
• Replace batteries or connect to
power module
• Intravenous fluids
• Inotropes
• Exchange system controller
• Hypertension control
• Anticoagulation/thrombolysis
• Replace batteries or connect to
power module
• Exchange system controller
• ACLS (when appropriate)
• Treat for cardiogenic shock
Diagnosis
