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Psychosocial and sexual concerns of patients with implantable left ventricular assist devices: A pilot study
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Psychosocial and sexual concerns of patients with implantable left ventricular assist devices: A pilot study

Louis E Samuels, Elena C Holmes and Ralph Petrucci
The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery, v 127(5), pp 1432-1435
2004
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcvs.2003.12.009
PMID: 15116004
Featured in Collection :   UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
url
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcvs.2003.12.009View
Published, Version of Record (VoR)Open Access (Publisher-Specific),  Open

Abstract

27
We sought to determine the psychosocial and sexual concerns of patients discharged from the hospital with implantable left ventricular assist devices. Bridge-to-transplant patients with the Heartmate left ventricular assist device received a psychosocial and sexual survey at 1 month after discharge from the hospital. The survey consisted of 3 parts, with 5 questions in each category. The patients were asked to complete the survey by circling the responses and to provide more detailed answers when necessary. There were 8 male patients who completed the questionnaire. Psychologically, all patients expressed a positive mood and found support from family or religious sources. The majority described a change in attitude and behavior. Socially, all patients described a change in lifestyle, as well as a change in the reaction of family and friends. No patient went back to work or had the desire to return to work until after transplantation. The minority of patients admitted to smoking or drinking. Sexually, the majority had the desire or participated in sexual activities. The majority of patients either used or were interested in using sexual stimulants. There were no mechanical problems with the left ventricular assist devices. Psychosocial and sexual conditions are altered in patients with heart failure who are discharged with implantable left ventricular assist devices. At 1 month's time interval, there is an improvement in mood, an adjustment in lifestyle, and a positive shift in relations with family and friends. There is sexual desire, with interest in sexual-enhancing medication. The most common concern is related to the pump, such as the durability of the device or damage to the components.

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6 Record Views
28 citations in Web of Science
31 citations in Scopus

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UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

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#3 Good Health and Well-Being

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Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
Web of Science research areas
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Respiratory System
Surgery
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