Left ventricular assist devices: psychosocial challenges in the elderly.

Marcus, Paula · Ann Thorac Surg · 2009

case_report · Level V

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Abstract

As the baby boom generation ages, the number of people with heart failure is expected to rise exponentially. A rapid increase in the demand for heart transplants will result in an increased use of left ventricular assist devices. This case illustrates the challenges facing transplant teams in evaluating elderly heart failure patients as candidates for assist devices. The critical elements of a psychosocial assessment are described.

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