H.2 Blood pressure monitoring for LVAD patients

Blood pressure monitoring for LVAD patients

Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs) are used in severe heart failure patients to help the heart’s left ventricle pump blood. Unlike a healthy heart that creates a pulsatile flow, leading to a detectable pulse, LVADs often provide a continuous flow of blood. This continuous flow results in a much weaker or even undetectable pulse, as it doesn’t cause the usual pressure fluctuations in the arteries. Therefore, LVAD patients might need alternative methods for blood pressure monitoring, as traditional pulse-checking methods may not work effectively.

The need for better blood pressure monitoring in LVAD patients is crucial due to the unique challenges posed by their condition. Accurate blood pressure monitoring is vital for LVAD patients as it guides medication adjustments, helps in detecting pump-related complications, and is essential for overall cardiovascular management. The current methods, like the Doppler ultrasound technique, are not only limited in providing comprehensive blood pressure data (as they typically only measure systolic pressure) but also require specialized training and equipment, making regular at-home monitoring difficult. Additionally, these methods might not always be practical in emergency situations. Therefore, the goal of this project is to create a device that results in accessible, accurate, and easy-to-use blood pressure monitoring which takes into consideration the unique physiology of LVAD patients, ensuring better patient care and management of their condition.