Transportation of Patients Supported by Short-Term Mechanical Circulatory Support

Local or community hospitals often lack the specific expertise, equipment, or resources to provide complex heart failure care; therefore, critically ill patients may need a transfer to centers that offer more advanced services. Transporting patients with unstable hemodynamics is a unique challenge and, until recently, an almost impossible task. Safe and efficient transportation of patients involves a sophisticated system and coordination among medical personnel. A multidisciplinary team is needed to review the patient’s clinical condition. It is essential to have a thorough understanding of the patient’s hemodynamics, and the risks of transportation must be able to be clearly communicated to all stakeholders. A thorough understanding of the patient’s hemodynamics, and the risks of transportation must be able to be clearly communicated to all stakeholders. The tools and infrastructure needed for these complex transfers are immense and vary with the needs of each case. Depending on the patient needs, special personnel may be needed to ensure that complications can be managed enroute. Overall, with a clear and coordinated plan and use of modern technology, patients can be safely delivered to advanced care facilities.