Occupational and Physical Therapy Outcome Measures with a Patient Implanted with a Total Artificial Heart: A Case Report

Background A single case report regarding the occupational and physical therapy rehabilitation and medical course of a 54-year-old Caucasian male diagnosed with idiopathic restrictive cardiomyopathy New York Heart Association – Class IV with bridge to transplant with a Total Artificial Heart (TAH). Methods The subject’s electronic medical record was retrospectively reviewed to measure rehabilitation and medical course during hospitalization. A phone interview was conducted to obtain patient’s experience with rehabilitation therapy process during TAH implantation until heart transplant. Results The subject made functional gains in his daily mobility and self-care activities. His cognition was assessed and remediated to supported return to occupational performance with home and work tasks. The subject’s report of rehabilitation experience during implantation was positive and highlighted the importance of develop goals toward independence while awaiting transplant Discussion This single case report is an example of collaborative effort between medical and therapy teams to ensure care was optimized during hospitalization from TAH to heart transplant.