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Management in Patients with VAD’s ? ACT’s are maintained around 180200 seconds…as long as the cardiac output is above three liters per minute ? ACT’s are maintained above 300 seconds while the cardiac output is below three liters per minute – WHEN IS THIS IMPORTANT??????? Discontinuing a VAD ? If possible, the heart is allowed to rest for 4872 hours ? Weaning the patient off the assist devices is then performed. ( Patient needs to have a native . of at least L/min/m2) ? ACT’s are increased to pensate for the low flows ? If the patient tolerates the low flows, he/she is separated from the assist devices and the cannulae are removed VAD Protocol for Your Institution ? Know your protocol ? Know your equipment ? Be able to predict those patients at risk ? Be able to prime in an orderly fashion ? Be prepared to assist the surgeons ? Help educate all staff working with the patient