Literature on driving capacities of ventricular assist device patients is rare and driving restrictions differ from center to center. Currently, no guidelines exist on whether and when left ventricular assist device (LVAD) patients are allowed to begin driving cars after device implantation. In this study, we assess the driving abilities of patients after LVAD implantation. Three hundred and ninety LVAD patients have been surveyed in a worldwide, multicenter study. The single survey followed a multi-method design, including online, phone, and face-to-face interviews. Out of 390 patients, 72% are still driving and 28% did not continue driving after LVAD implantation. Reasons for discontinuation were capability (24%), insecurity (17%), and disapproval by family members (9%) or doctors (5%). Ninety percent of the patients describe their ability to drive as perfect or adequate. Sixty-nine percent state that they are not restricted in their general driving capacity. Forty-nine percent report not to be restricted in agility to drive by the device equipment. The majority of patients have not been involved in car accidents or major complications (94%). Eight accidents were reported (3%). Out of those, all were minor collisions. No patient reported the occurrence of a fatal accident or casualties. LVAD alarms did occur in six incidents (2%) with the majority being low battery alarms. The results of this study suggest that driving with a left ventricular assist device is safe for stable patients and driving can be resumed 3 months after LVAD implantation after careful patient assessment.
Keywords: Driving; Left ventricular assist device; Quality of life.
© 2018 International Center for Artificial Organs and Transplantation and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.