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POLICY STATEMENT
SITE APPLICABILITY
All Levitronix VAD patients within BCCH.
PRACTICE LEVEL/COMPETENCIES
Levitronix VAD circuit de-airing is considered an advanced skill and only those with advanced training in
perfusion and ECLS are to perform this task.
Perfusionist
ECLS Specialist
EQUIPMENT
Circuit
3/8 Circuit
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EMERGENCY
DE-AIRING OF THE LEVITRONIX VAD CIRCUIT
PROCEDURE
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Clamp the circuit just distal to the pump head (see Fig. 1) Circuit Control Clamp # 3
Stop the Levitronix blood pump (hold to stop red button on console)
Activate an ECLS CODE
Communicate issue to the bedside staff
Identify the source of air (a surgical team may be required)
Clamp the venous line (#2) and the arterial line (#3) close to the cannulas but on the tubing
Check circuit
Re-prime venous and arterial lines/ cannulas
Initiate LVAD/RVAD support
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#3
#2
EMERGENCY
DE-AIRING OF THE LEVITRONIX VAD CIRCUIT
Note: If patient remains off VAD support for a prolonged period of time consult ECLS Physician and
consider giving a Heparin bolus IV (Heparin 50iu/kg from the 1000iu/ml vial) to the patient.
DOCUMENTATION
Chart event on ECLS flow sheet and PSLS to be recorded
Figure 1.
Document Created: February 2014, V Harris/N Casey
Document Reviewed: March 2015 (V Harris/N Casey)
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EMERGENCY
DE-AIRING OF THE LEVITRONIX VAD CIRCUIT
Review Date: March 2016
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