Cardiac Rehabilitation After Complex Procedures

Purpose of Review: The population of patients with congestive heart failure is increasing at a steady rate. This increase is leading to a parallel increase in patients seeking care from rehabilitation providers to address a multitude of functional impairments that reduce their quality of life. Rehabilitation providers need to be aware of the common mechanical devices and what potential issues can arise with the medically complex patient who is receiving rehabilitation services. Recent Findings: The population of patients accessing rehabilitation services with either congestive heart failure or a left ventricular device, transaortic valvular replacement, or implantable cardiac defibrillator is steadily increasing. This population has a high prevalence of functional impairments due to baseline demographics and medical interventions that have been performed. It is essential the rehabilitation provider be aware of the special needs and recommended modifications to the exercise prescription in order to maintain safety and promote successful rehabilitation. Summary: Understanding patients’ underlying medical pathophysiology combined with identifying their functional impairments will lead to the best possible functional outcome. When rehabilitation providers have a basic understanding of how advanced congestive heart failure and mechanical devices impact on the rehabilitation prescription, more specific treatment plans can be created to fully address the rehabilitative needs of these medically complex patients.