Thoratec HeartMate III, Instructions For Use Manual, Page: 279 / 458

Patient Care and Management 6
HeartMate III Left Ventricular Assist System Instructions for Use 6-15
If the Driveline or Modular In-line Connector appears damaged, contact Thoratec Corporation
for assistance. Refer to the Thoratec Corporation contact information on page iii.
X-ray images and System Controller log files are useful to assess the extent and location of the
damage. If the Driveline or Driveline conductors are damaged internal to the patient’s body, the
Pump should be replaced as soon as possible. If it has been determined that the damage has
been detected in the Modular Cable portion of the Driveline, it can be replaced. Refer to
Replacing the Modular Cable on page 2-51 for the procedure for exchanging the Modular
Cable.
CAUTION !
• The HeartMate III Left Ventricular Assist System uses lights and sounds to indicate how it is
working. If the patient has trouble hearing or seeing, he or she may need extra help to hear
or see the lights and sounds.
• To avoid pulling on or moving the Driveline at the exit site, the patient must stabilize their
Driveline at all times. Pulling on or moving the Driveline can keep the exit site from healing
or damage an already healed exit site. Exit site trauma or tissue damage can increase the
patient’s risk of getting a serious infection. Emphasize to the patient and/or family member
or caregiver the importance of not pulling on or moving the Driveline.
• Do not twist, kink, or sharply bend the Driveline, System Controller power cables, Power
Module patient cable, or Mobile Power Unit patient cable, which may cause damage to the
wires inside, even if external damage is not visible. Damage to the Driveline or cables could
cause the Left Ventricular Assist Device to stop. If the Driveline or cables become twisted,
kinked, or bent, carefully unravel and straighten.