Rotor-wing transport of patients with a biventricular assist device: Challenging transport frontiers

Acknowledgment: The figures in this article were provided by ABIOMED Cardiovascular, Inc. Introduction Centralized tertiary care has increased the need for patient transfer from local hospitals to regional centers of excellence. Interhospital transport of critically ill patients long has been the mission of many helicopter programs, including MedSTAR Transport of Washington Hospital Center. The movement of patients with ventricular assist devices (VADs) by ambulance, fixed-wing aircraft, and helicopter is becoming more widespread.‘,2 We pre sent the first case in the literature of a rotor-wing transport of a patient with an open chest and a biventricular assist de vice, the ABIOMED BVS 5000 biventricular support system (ABIOMED Cardiovascular, Inc., Danvers, Mass.). Through preflight planning, intlight adap tation, and postflight debriefing, we have developed innovative strategies to facilitate the transport of highly complex cardiac patients. Key considerations include the equipment, helicopter, and crew composition and training. The purpose of this case report is to share our experience and provide a template for future complex transports.