This series of guidelines from the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation covers a variety of topics related to mechanical circulatory support.

Task Force 1: Selection of candidates for DMCS and risk management before implantation for fixed comorbidities.

Task Force 2: Patient optimization, consent, and appropriate timing for MCS: Modifiable risk management before implantation.

Task Force 3: Intraoperative and immediate postoperative management.

Task Force 4: Inpatient management of patients with DMCS.

Task Force 5: Outpatient management of the mechanical circulatory support device recipient.

Task Force 6: VAD in adults with congenital heart disease.

Task Force 7: Evaluation for recovery.

Task Force 8: Section on biventricular assist devices and total artificial heart specifications.

Task Force 9: Section on center quality metrics, outcomes, volume, and staffing.

Physical therapists and rehabilitation leaders in hospital settings may be particularly interested the following areas:

Task Force 3, Topic 5, Other Considerations, which provides notes about early mobilization and speech and swallow assessment.

Task Force 4, which includes health care provider competency topics, such as recognition of common complications.

Physical therapists and rehabilitation leaders in post-acute environments may choose to focus on:

Task Force 5, which addresses home safety evaluation, cardiac rehabilitation and exercise guidelines, and emergency procedures for device malfunction or failure.

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