Follow Up

As a new LVAD patient you will be seen very frequently by the team

• Weekly for 1 month
• Every 2 weeks for 2 months
• And monthly thereafter or as needed depending on your status
• At each clinic visit, you will get lab work done

We may ask you to come in for an extra clinic visit if you are not feeling well or we are concerned about your heart function in any way.

Routine health care

• It is essential that you have a primary care provider before implant
  • You will continue to have other health needs outside of your LVAD that you will need to see a general internist for
  • You will need to keep up regular health maintenance screenings such as colonoscopy, mammogram, prostate exam, pap smear, skin checks
• If you live a long distance from Stanford, it may be in your best interest to have a cardiologist closer to home. We can often communicate with the cardiologist to help guide care
• Dental health is important to avoid infection.
  • Ensure you have regular dental check ups and you may need antibiotics before any dental work