Experiences of Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation: A Phenomenological Study

Objective: This study aims to reveal the experiences of patients who underwent left ventricular support device implantation regarding living with this device.

Methods: A total of 10 patients over the age of 18, who underwent left ventricular support device implantation at a university hospital and were discharged at least 1 month after implantation, were included in the qualitative, phenomenological study. As data collection tools, personal information forms and interview forms prepared by the researchers were used. The data for this study have been collected through in-depth interviews. The interviews were recorded with a voice recorder and transcribed exactly, and the inductive content analysis method was used.

Results: As a result of the analysis of the data, 5 main themes were formed. These themes are “Living with LVAD,” “Positive Effects of LVAD on Life,” “Challenges of Living with LVAD,” “Services/Supports Received by LVAD Patients,” and “Recommendations.”

Conclusion: As a result, in our study, patients with left ventricular support devices adapted to life with the device and their quality of life increased with the device. While continuing their daily lives, they encountered some difficulties related to taking a bath, carrying the device, changing the battery, and dressing.

Cite this article as: Öztürk Ö, Aydın G, Taşyapar N, et al. Sol ventrikül destek cihazı implantasyonu uygulanan hastaların deneyimleri: Fenomenolojik bir çalışma. Turk J Cardiovasc Nurs 2022;13(32):130-139.