VAD Care App 1.0

Unmet Need
Left Ventricular Assist Devices have increased in their utilization over five-fold since 2003. Despite the massive increase in utilization there are still challenges to the management of LVAD systems. The goal for LVAD patients is that they will be able to achieve a level of self-management (SM) for patients with their LVADs. However, that remains a challenge for patients and their caregivers. Challenges around data collection, timely alerts, and real-time reporting make it difficult for patents to have independence and necessitates their regular contact with their care team. Improved SM capabilities would improve the quality of life for over 4,000 patients per year in the United States alone as well as reducing demands on their care teams.  
 
Technology Overview
The team has developed a mobile phone application (VAD Care App) to organize and simplify the LVAD self-management process. The app is for LVAD patients and caregivers requiring support from ventricular assist device (VAD) coordinators. The app features an automated alert, data collection/reporting, and dynamic real-time interaction systems (such as text messages, video conferencing, and push alerts) embedded in the LVAD self-management process. Future revisions are expected to occur in concert with evolving LVAD technology.
 
Stage of Development
In beta testing.
 
Publications
Jesus Casaida et al ASAIO Journal. 64(2):159–167, MAR 2018 
 

Category(s):