Vol. 4 No. 2 (2025): post-ICU pathways
Articles

Nursing Management Strategies for a Patient With an Aeson CARMAT® Total Artificial Heart: a Case Report

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  • Simone Amato,
  • Giulia Fattore ,
  • Andrea Battisti ,
  • Valentina De Bartolo,
  • Vincenza Giordano ,
  • Niccolò Simonelli ,
  • Anna Rita Marucci,
  • Francesco Gravante
Simone Amato
Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, Heart Transplant Centre and ECMO, Azienda Ospedaliera San Camillo Forlanini, Rome, Italy
Giulia Fattore
Pre-Hospital Emergency Nurse, Heart Life Croce Amica SRL, Rome, Italy
Andrea Battisti
Cardiovascular Perfusion Unit, Department of Cardiac Surgery and Heart Transplantation, San Camillo Hospital, Rome, Italy
Valentina De Bartolo
Department of Surgery and Orthopedics, European Hospital, Rome, Italy
Vincenza Giordano
Department of Public Health, Federico II University of Naples, Italy
Niccolò Simonelli
Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy ; SS Antonio e Biagio e C. Arrigo University Hospital, Alessandria, Italy
Anna Rita Marucci
Department of Health Professions, Azienda Ospedaliera San Camillo Forlanini, Rome, Italy
Francesco Gravante
Intensive Care Unit, Department of Critical Care, Local Health Authority of Caserta, Italy; Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36253/if-3501

Published 2025-06-30

Keywords

  • Aeson CARMAT®,
  • Total Artificial Heart,
  • Nursing Care,
  • Mechanical Circulatory Support,
  • Heart Failure

Copyright (c) 2025 Simone Amato, Giulia Fattore , Andrea Battisti , Valentina De Bartolo, Vincenza Giordano , Niccolò Simonelli , Anna Rita Marucci, Francesco Gravante

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

Introduction. Total artificial heart (TAH) devices are a viable bridge to transplantation in patients with end-stage biventricular heart failure. Among these, the Aeson CARMAT® TAH offers pulsatile flow and biocompatible materials to enhance physiological compatibility and reduce thromboembolic risks.

Case Presentation. We describe the case of a 62-year-old male with ischemic cardiomyopathy and NYHA Class IV symptoms, deemed ineligible for immediate heart transplant. The patient underwent Aeson TAH implantation following multidisciplinary evaluation and was admitted to the cardiac surgery intensive care for postoperative management.

Clinical Findings. Postoperative care focused on six core areas: (1) hemodynamic monitoring, including continuous tracking of pressures and device-derived values; (2) anticoagulation and bleeding control with INR-based dosing; (3) infection prevention via strict asepsis and respiratory therapy; (4) device monitoring, including waveform interpretation and alarm management; (5) patient and caregiver education on device handling and complication signs; and (6) early mobilization to prevent ICU-related complications and support functional recovery.

Discussion. The case highlights the nurse’s central role in managing TAH patients, integrating technical competence with holistic support. Early identification of complications and structured education contributed to a successful recovery and preparation for transplant listing.

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