Successful Trans-Atlantic Air Ambulance Transfer of a Patient Supported by a Bi-Ventricular Assist Device

MCLEAN N, COPELAND R, CASEY N, SAMOUKOVIC G, QUIGLEY R. Successful trans-Atlantic air ambulance transfer of a patient supported by a bi-ventricular assist device. Aviat Space Environ Med 2011; 82:825-8. The ventricular assist device (VAD) is a hemodynamic support device that augments cardiac output for patients with severe ventricular dysfunction. With improved reliability and technological advances, the use of VADs to support patients is increasing. Many VAD-dependent patients ultimately require heart transplants that are only available in specialized centers, necessitating an interhospital transfer. To date there are few reports of long-distance fixed wing aeromedical transport of patients dependent on a VAD. Here we describe the successful transfer of a patient supported by a biventricular assist device (BiVAD) from Cambridge, UK, to Durham, NC, via fixed-wing jet aircraft. During this transfer, we observed hemodynamic alterations secondary to gravitational forces, which should be anticipated and may be mitigated with simple maneuvers. With high-level logistical planning and appropriate medical oversight, patients dependant on BiVADs can be safely transported by fixed wing aircraft over long distances.