COMPETENCE Trial: The EVAHEART 2 continuous flow left ventricular assist device.

Background: Continuous flow left ventricular assist devices have improved outcomes in patients with end-stage heart failure that require mechanical circulatory support. Current devices have an adverse event profile that has hindered widespread application. The EVAHEART®2 left ventricular assist device (EVA2) has design features such as large blood gaps, lower pump speeds and an inflow cannula that does not protrude into the left ventricle that may mitigate the adverse events currently seen with other continuous flow devices.

Improving quality of life and decreasing readmissions in heart failure patients in a multidisciplinary transition-to-care clinic.

Objectives: The purpose was to pilot the feasibility and impact of a 4-week transition-to-care program on quality of life for heart failure patients.

Background: The transition from the acute care to the outpatient setting has been shown to be a critical time with heart failure patients.

Methods: A pre- and post-test design was used.