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Original poster

Peters machine has gone into FIXED mode 19times already today.

23 replies

misdee · 17/02/2006 13:05

soemthing isnt right.

OP posts:
hub2dee · 17/02/2006 13:09

What does FIXED mode mean, misdee ?

Blandmum · 17/02/2006 13:09

sounds sacry, what does that mean?

Original poster
misdee · 17/02/2006 13:10

FIXED means a fixed amount of blood is pumped, really its not enough to keep him stable just keeping still. the machine should stay in auto as it will adjust to activies like walking/exercise bike to make sure enough blood is pumped.

OP posts:
Blandmum · 17/02/2006 13:12

Is it a fault of the machine? (sorry if that is a stupid question). And is it part of the machine that they can swap over???

hub2dee · 17/02/2006 13:12

"The HeartMate IP features two selectable operating modes that offer greater flexibility in managing patient support. In Fixed Mode the LVAD pumps at a pre-set beat rate. In Auto Mode the LVAD pumps at a responsive rate determined by the hemodynamic requirements of the patient."

Original poster
misdee · 17/02/2006 13:13

they did an echo yesterday to se if his heart function was improving as this may have been affecting the machine, but it hasnt. they tell hi mto drink more, but he is drinking way more than enough. they are scrtaching their heads at this one.

OP posts:
Original poster
misdee · 17/02/2006 13:14

psst hub, its ba thoratec TLC-II i belive.

OP posts:
hub2dee · 17/02/2006 13:15

x posts.

I presume the machine is either doing this in error or because of an input variable being interpreted as 'this patient needs to be in fixed mode'...

IIRC you had a pump swap in December ? Might they swap out the 'brain' of the machine do you think ?

hub2dee · 17/02/2006 13:16

LOL, misdee... I hope the ba thoratec is MUCH better, with go faster stripes.

Original poster
misdee · 17/02/2006 13:17

i am going to txt and ask him to suggest switching the machines again.

OP posts:
nailpolish · 17/02/2006 13:17

why are they telling him to drink more? is his volume low?

the staff should try another machine if available

Original poster
misdee · 17/02/2006 13:19

said his flows must be low, but flows are fine.

OP posts:
Original poster
misdee · 17/02/2006 13:19

it is happening every morning now, so am thinking its a faulty machine.

OP posts:
nailpolish · 17/02/2006 13:21

maybe there are no spare machines

cant think of any other reason why the staff havent swapped machines. it will be driving them nuts too

macwoozy · 17/02/2006 13:21
Shock
Original poster
misdee · 17/02/2006 13:23

he has a spare machine in the room that is pre-set to his settings. the vad team say the machine is working fine. hmmmmm. so the fact that he wont be getting enough blood flow isnt a problem.

OP posts:
nailpolish · 17/02/2006 13:24

why dont you phone them and put your mind at rest

Original poster
misdee · 17/02/2006 13:27

i have just spoke to him. he has asked for the machine to bew fixed but they wont do as its filling and emptying correctly. dont know if he'll be allowed out for a truip next week if the machine is doing this tho.

OP posts:
nailpolish · 17/02/2006 13:33

have you spoken to the staff?

Original poster
misdee · 17/02/2006 13:34

no, VAD team arent about atm.

OP posts:
Original poster
misdee · 17/02/2006 13:35

i will get hold of one of them at the weekend, and ask them mysel.

OP posts:
nailpolish · 17/02/2006 13:40

there is nobody around in charge? there must be someone

kreamkrackers · 17/02/2006 13:42

this all sounds very scarey. the hospital should have explained properly what's going on, why they're saying the machine is alright and why peter needs to drink more. why not give him more blood thinners? (sorry i don't know about these machines at all)

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