Complex Cardiac Care
Generation at Elmwood Park is one of the few facilities able to accept residents with a LifeVest or LVAD
What is a LifeVest?
A LifeVest is a personal defibrillator worn by a resident at risk for sudden cardiac arrest. It monitor the resident’s heart continuously, and if the resident goes into a life-threatening arrythmia (irregular heart beat), the LifeVest delivers a shock to restore the residents heart to a normal cardiac rhythm.
What is a LVAD
The left ventricular assist device, or LVAD, is a mechanical pump that is implanted inside a person’s chest to help a weakened heart pump blood throughout the body. Unlike a total artificial heart, the LVAD doesn’t replace the heart.; it just helps it do its job.
The LVAD is the most common type of Ventricular assist device. It helps the left ventricle pump blood to the aorta. The aorta is the main artery that carries oxygen-rich blood from your heart to your body.
LVADs can be used as:
- Bridge-to-transplant therapy: This is a life-saving therapy for patients awaiting a heart transplant. Patients use the LVAD until a heart becomes available. In some cases, the LVAD is able to restore the failing heart, eliminating the need for a transplant.
- Destination therapy: Some patients are not candidates for heart transplants. In this case, patients can receive long-term treatment using an LVAD, which can prolong and improve patients’ lives.
Our residents are referred to and followed by a cardiologist who works closely with our team which includes a nurse practitioner, nurses, physical therapist, dietitian, social services and pharmacy.
All cardiac residents will receive:
Cardiac Rehab
Symptom Management
Diagnostic testing as ordered
Physical Therapy screening to determine level of activity
Medication Management
Social Service Counseling
Education
