In this second installment of our Data Deep Dive, Shane Turner reconnects with Ken Kasica, who specializes in cardiovascular pharmacology at Abiomed. The two dissect the complex interactions between drug therapies and the Impella heart pumps in critical care. Learn about the impact of vasoconstrictive drugs such as levosimendan and norepinephrine on Impella performance, and studies that highlight the risks associated with high doses of inotropes and vasopressors. This episode provides essential insights for transport clinicians on managing patients with these medications, including strategies from heart teams at destination centers for device escalation, and the latest advancements in the field.

In this episode:

Shane Turner, RN, CFRN, NRP, FP-C, CMTE, Chattanooga, TN, Abiomed

Ken Kasica, PharmD, MBA, Director, Scientific Intelligence, Abiomed

Teaching best practices for transporting Impella patients is something Zac Bunzey handles every day. As a clinical education manager at Life Flight Network, Zac joins Shane Turner to share how targeted training campaigns, hands-on experience, and tools like the Impella app, combined with Abiomed’s 24/7 support, have markedly boosted crew confidence and proficiency.

Plus, you’ll learn about the importance of cognitive aids and routine practice with low-frequency events to maintain skills. Whether you're experienced in Impella transports or new to the process, this episode offers crucial strategies to enhance your crew's readiness and effectiveness in managing these critical patients.

In this episode:

Shane Turner, RN, CFRN, NRP, FP-C, CMTE, Chattanooga, TN

Zac Bunzey, Clinical Education Manager, Life Flight Network

Are you equipped to handle cardiogenic shock? In this episode, you’ll gain insights from an expert on the frontlines about the complexities of caring for these critical patients and how you can excel in providing world-class critical care transport.

Shane Turner sits down with Dr. Adam Gottula, an emergency physician and critical care intensivist from Methodist Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. They discuss the management of cardiogenic shock in transport settings, the crucial role of a multidisciplinary approach, and the latest strategies for improving patient outcomes.

Dr. Gottula shares the importance of cognitive checklists, standardized patient classification, and the life-saving role of the Impella device during transport. Plus, essential practices for optimizing outcomes in patients with Impella support during cardiac arrest, including the critical steps of prompt CPR and correct device positioning.

Shane Turner, RN, CFRN, NRP, FP-C, CMTE, Chattanooga, TN

Adam Gottula, M.D., San Antonio, Texas

Today we’re going ‘back to basics’ with Austin Provence, a cardiothoracic nurse who brings a decade of experience in transporting patients with Impella devices and the importance of seamless teamwork. With over a decade of experience, Austin highlights two critical scenarios: stable patients needing higher care and critically ill patients requiring immediate interventions. He underscores the importance of mastering proper Impella placement and management, noting that a significant portion of these patients may present additional health challenges.

Austin shares practical tips on maintaining the correct angle to prevent bleeding, managing sedation, and ensuring clear communication between hospital and transport teams. This episode is packed with best practices and strategies to enhance the competency and confidence of transport clinicians in handling complex cardiac cases.

In this episode:

Shane Turner, RN, CFRN, NRP, FP-C, CMTE, Chattanooga, TN

Austin Provence, Hospital Wing Flight Nurse

Cardiogenic shock is a devastating condition with a persistent 50% mortality rate. However, groundbreaking treatments and technologies are now dramatically improving survival odds. Join Shane Turner as he sits down with Jason Weatherly, Cardiogenic Shock Commercial Marketing Manager at Abiomed, to explore these advancements and the life-saving impact of the Impella device.

Jason highlights the recent DanGer Shock RCT, which confirmed that Impella CP® with SmartAssist® improves survival by 12.7%. Together, they delve into how these medical breakthroughs are crucially linked to critical care transport, emphasizing innovative strategies that are essential for enhancing patient outcomes and shaping the future of cardiogenic shock treatment.

In this episode:

Shane Turner, RN, CFRN, NRP, FP-C, CMTE, Chattanooga, TN

Jason Weatherly, Cardiogenic Shock Commercial Marketing Manager at Abiomed

Often, we are lucky to collaborate with specialists to ensure we can best support our patients, and in this episode, host Shane Turner is joined by Nancy Jaworski, an advanced practice nurse with extensive experience in adult congenital heart disease, to learn about challenges and innovations shaping heart failure care today. Nancy discusses the unique challenges of diagnosing and managing adult congenital heart disease.

She emphasizes the importance of early intervention and the use of advanced therapies to prevent severe complications. Nancy also gives insights into the critical role of transport providers in navigating these complex cases and the necessity for specialized care centers to optimize outcomes. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of right heart failure from a seasoned expert who bridges the gap between pediatric and adult care.

In this episode:

Shane Turner, RN, CFRN, NRP, FP-C, CMTE, Chattanooga, TN

Nancy Jaworski DNP, APRN, PCNS- BC, Hendersonville, TN

How does continuous learning and practical experience on the front lines make a difference in transport? Today's episode is hosted by critical care transport trainer, Jena Billig, who sits down with Josh Klute, an expert flight and ICU nurse, who credits specialized Impella training with his confidence and success in transport. Josh recounts his initial challenges and lack of confidence during his first Impella transport, contrasting it with the marked improvement in his skills and confidence after receiving targeted training. Jena and Josh discuss the necessity of continuous education and the value of tailored training in empowering transport teams, ultimately enhancing patient care and provider confidence.

In this episode:

Jena Billig, BSN, RN, CCRN, CFRN, Idaho Springs, Colorado

Josh Klute, EMT, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Impella devices can be game-changers for cardiogenic shock, and members of the care team who manage these patients during transport require specific training and skills to optimize patient outcomes. Today, host Shane Turner is joined by Ryan Harmon to take an inside look at the systematic approach one clinician uses to troubleshoot issues and optimize these advanced therapies. Ryan Harmon is a clinical care coordinator in the emergency room with extensive experience as both a nurse and a paramedic.

Harmon emphasizes the need for a systematic approach to troubleshooting issues, such as preload, afterload, and positioning, and the importance of managing medications to avoid complications. You’ll also learn the value of having a knowledgeable partner and being prepared for potential challenges during transports.

In this episode:

Shane Turner, RN, CFRN, NRP, FP-C, CMTE, Chattanooga, TN

Ryan Harmon, Critical Care Transport Nurse/Paramedic, Lebanon, OH

Collaboration plays a vital role in setting new benchmarks in cardiac transport. Join Shane Turner as he talks with Bill Hallinan, regional clinical manager for Abiomed, about integrating pre-hospital and hospital care to enhance outcomes for patients experiencing cardiogenic shock. With decades of experience in firefighting, nursing and transport, Bill shares his invaluable insights and vision for the future of cardiac care.

Shane and Bill emphasize the critical importance of early recognition of cardiogenic shock, and the need for effective communication and respect among providers. They also discuss the unique challenges and opportunities in pre-hospital and transport care. Plus, you’ll learn why clear definitions and standards for cardiac recovery centers are crucial, and how standardized protocols and technological innovations can dramatically improve patient outcomes.

In this episode:

Shane Turner, RN, CFRN, NRP, FP-C, CMTE, Chattanooga, TN

Bill Hallihan, RN BSN, Regional Clinical Manager, Abiomed

When it comes to ensuring safe and successful medical transports, our work begins with preparation and logistics. In this episode, host Shane Turner sits down with veteran flight transport provider, Robin Wallace. With over 25 years of experience in the southeast as both a paramedic and a flight nurse, Robin shares her invaluable insights on transporting critically ill cardiac patients.

Robin shares the essential practices she has honed, including the use of checklists, meticulous vehicle preparation, and mastering communication techniques. Learn how effective teamwork and clear, concise directives can make all the difference during unexpected events in flight. This episode is packed with knowledge for anyone involved in medical transport, offering actionable advice and proven strategies to enhance patient care during critical moments.

In this episode:

Shane Turner, RN, CFRN, NRP, FP-C, CMTE, Chattanooga, TN

Robin Wallace, BSN, RN, CFRN, CEN, NRP, Chattanooga, TN