There are several therapeutic options in addition to pharmacologic management for the treatment of heart failure, such
as biventricular pacing; the use of an implantable cardioverter
defibrillator, ventricular assist device, or artificial heart; and
heart transplantation. Patients with advanced or end-stage
heart failure are usually candidates for such type of therapies.
Nurses involved in the care of these patients should be
familiar with their devices13. A basic knowledge of their function,
programming, adverse effect or even troubleshooting is
required for the reason to assist the patient live with his device
and to communicate directly to the responsible physician any
problems associated with it.