A Second Chance at Life, the Profound Echo of a Heartbeat: Hope with LVAD, Rebirth Through Heart Transplantation – Case Report
İrem Çilek1
, Hatice Yıldırım Sarı1, Mustafa Özbaran2, Aslı Sarp2
1Izmir Katip Çelebi Üniversitesi, Sağlık Bilimleri Enstitüsü/Hemşirelik, İzmir, Türkiye
2Ege Üniversitesi Hastanesi (Sağlık Uygulama ve Araştırma Merkezi), Kalp Damar Cerrahisi Yoğun Bakım Ünitesi, İzmir, Türkiye
Keywords: heart transplantation, left ventricular assist device
Abstract
This case addresses the nursing care process of a 19-year-old male patient who was bridged to heart transplantation with a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) due to end-stage heart failure and subsequently underwent a successful heart transplant. The patient, followed long-term with a diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMP), was evaluated using Gordon's Functional Health Patterns (FHP) Model. The early postoperative intensive care process (first 24 hours) after LVAD explantation/heart transplantation is described, including vital signs, fluid balance, mechanical ventilation support, inotropic/vasopressor therapy, and immunosuppressive regimens. Using Gordon's 11 functional health patterns, the patient's bio-psycho-social and spiritual needs were assessed, potential and actual nursing diagnoses were identified, and care interventions were planned.
Cite this article as: Çilek İ, Yıldırım Sarı H, Özbaran M, Sarp A. A second chance at life, the profound echo of a heartbeat: hope with LVAD, rebirth through heart transplantation – case report. Pediatr Acad Case Rep. 2026;5(3):87-91.