Mental Health and Medical Challenges: Management of a Depressed Patient with a Left Ventricular Assist System in an Inpatient Psychiatric Setting

A depressed patient with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) due to heart failure presented a unique challenge for staff in an inpatient psychiatric facility. Although depression in this patient population has been recognized and treated on an outpatient basis, the example described in this article may be the first known case to be treated in an acute inpatient psychiatric hospital setting. A variety of steps had to be taken to ensure the highest standards of care, as well as an optimal outcome for this patient. In addition to the individualized plan of care for depression, a more medically oriented and technologically advanced plan of care was also instituted. The inpatient psychiatric setting provides the necessary care and treatment to help the patient move beyond severe depression to engage in activities essential for health and the proper care and function of the LVAD. This article highlights an unusual psychiatric-mental health nursing situation to help others who may face this challenge in the future.