I hope that Dick Cheney's heart keeps pumping for many years to come.
According to this doctor an LVAD(Left Ventricular Assist Device) has a major associated morbidity and mortality and lots of suffering.
Source: http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/arc...10/07/grim.php
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I'm a surgeon and just read your wire story about Dick Cheney getting a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) placed. The story downplays the seriousness of that procedures...once you've got an LVAD in place, it means your heart is essentially incapable of working on its own and has no potential to improve. While LVAD outcomes have been improving, and some patients live months or even years with one of these devices in place, this is a HUGE operation with MAJOR associated morbidity and mortality. If he's not listed for a heart transplant, his days are seriously numbered. Life on an LVAD isn't something I'd wish on my worst enemy...an axiom that this situation really tests. He's in for a rough time.
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Let's wish Cheney the best and let him live for an extremely long time.
According to this doctor an LVAD(Left Ventricular Assist Device) has a major associated morbidity and mortality and lots of suffering.
Source: http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/arc...10/07/grim.php
=================
I'm a surgeon and just read your wire story about Dick Cheney getting a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) placed. The story downplays the seriousness of that procedures...once you've got an LVAD in place, it means your heart is essentially incapable of working on its own and has no potential to improve. While LVAD outcomes have been improving, and some patients live months or even years with one of these devices in place, this is a HUGE operation with MAJOR associated morbidity and mortality. If he's not listed for a heart transplant, his days are seriously numbered. Life on an LVAD isn't something I'd wish on my worst enemy...an axiom that this situation really tests. He's in for a rough time.
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Let's wish Cheney the best and let him live for an extremely long time.
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