Discharging patients who are undergoing mechanical circulatory support.

Six patients supported by the Baxter Novacor left ventricular assist system have been discharged during the period of mechanical circulatory support at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Benefits of discharge couple quality of life improvements and economic advantages for mechanical circulatory support patients. Limitations caused by regulations within current protocols have been shown to detract from patient and caregiver quality of life. Eliminating the unnecessary regulations will improve discharge capabilities without increasing the risk for clinical complications.