Abstract
Abstract: Heart failure (HF) is a major public health issue associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and healthcare expenditures. Mechanical circulatory support devices such as left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) provide an alternative to heart transplantation for patients with advanced HF. It is important for critical care nurses to understand how to care for the specific needs of this patient population. This article provides a brief overview of the different types of VADs, the unique aspects of nursing care for patients with LVADs, and the most common reasons for hospital admission.