UW Health LifeVest Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillator Instructions
- August 12, 2024
- UW Health
Table of Contents
UW Health LifeVest Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillator
Specifications
- Device Type: Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillator (WCD)
- Manufacturer: Zoll
- Website: http://www.lifevest.zoll.com
- Customer Service: 1-800-543-3267
Product Usage Instructions
- Initial Setup: Your healthcare team and a company representative will provide detailed instructions on how to use the WCD before you leave. They will explain the device functions and determine the duration you should wear it.
- Emergency Care: In case of emergency, call 911. If it’s after hours, nights, weekends, or holidays, contact the paging operator and ask for the Cardiology Fellow on call. Provide your details for a clinician to call you back.
- More Information: For additional information, refer to your Patient Manual provided with the LifeVest or visit the Zoll website. To inquire about the WCD or access 24/7 customer service and technical support, call 1-800-543-3267.
FAQ
- Q: How long should I wear the WCD?
- A: Your healthcare team will determine the duration based on your specific condition and risk factors. Follow their guidance regarding wearing the device.
- Q: Can I shower while wearing the WCD?
- A: It is recommended to avoid submerging the WCD in water. Follow the instructions provided by your healthcare team for maintaining the device.
- Q: What should I do if the WCD alerts me of a potential issue?
- A: If the WCD alerts you of a problem, follow the instructions provided during your training session. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if needed.
Product Information
A wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD), sometimes called a LifeVest®, is a vest-like device. This is worn to protect you if you are at risk for dangerous or life-threatening heart rhythms. Sometimes these abnormal heart rhythms – ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF) happen without warning or any symptoms. These abnormal rhythms can lead to sudden cardiac death (SCD).
This vest has been ordered for you to wear by your Cardiology or Electrophysiology (EP) team. This allows your team to monitor and review your heart rhythm over time. It will help your team figure out your long-term risk of having a dangerous, life-threatening heart rhythm.
How to Use
Before going home, your team and a representative from the company will go over instructions. They will run through details of the WCD. Your team will also decide how long you should wear the WCD.
- You will get fit with a WCD. You should always wear the vest. E Even wear it when you sleep. Only remove it for short periods of time when bathing, or when advised by your heart team. Please have someone home when you bathe.
- The light-weight vest is worn underneath clothing. It sits directly against your bare skin and has a flexible belt and shoulder straps.
- Patches and pads (or electrodes) in the vest monitor your heart rhythm at all times and provide treatment should you have an abnormal heart rhythm.
- You will have a monitor with a strap. This can be worn either around the waist or over the shoulder.
- The WCD provides continuous protection whether you are alone or with others.
- Be sure to check your monitor if you hear any alerts.
- Your vest will alert you and any bystanders if an abnormal heart rhythm is detected, the vest will start its sequence of treatment alerts. Only you should operate the vest.
- If you are awake and an alert happens, you will feel vibrations from the vest, followed by an audible alarm and then voice prompts. You can hold down the “response buttons” which will delay treatment.
- If you pass out or are unconscious, the vest will go through the same sequence as above. It will vibrate, go through a series of audible alarms, and then voice prompts. It will automatically deliver treatment and will also provide voice prompts to any bystanders telling them not to interfere or touch the patient.
- If the device delivers treatment, you may notice gel around the treatment pads on your chest and back. Call your heart team and do not remove the vest.
Contacts
When to Call
- If you receive therapy from your WCD.
- If you have a fainting spell or pass out.
Emergency Care
Call 911 if:
- A bystander should call 911if you pass out and do not wake up -.
- You do not feel well after your WCD has delivered therapy. Do not drive yourself to be evaluated.
Who to Call
- UW Heart and Vascular Clinic
- Monday – Friday, 8:00 am- 4:30 pm
- 608-263-1530 or 1-800-323-8942
After hours, nights, weekends, and holidays this number will give you the paging operator. Ask for the Cardiology Fellow on call. Give your full name and phone number with the area code. A clinician will call you back.
Care of the WCD
- Keep the battery you aren’t using in the charger.
- Change the battery in the WCD each day to make sure the WCD is always able to monitor your heart rhythm.
- Download the device once per week. Refer to the user manual for how to do this.
- Do not submerge the WCD under water or get it wet.
More Information
- Your LifeVest® is made by Zoll®. You can find more information in your Patient Manual or on the website http://www.lifevest.zoll.com.
- To contact Zoll LifeVest with questions about your WCD, or to reach the 24/7 customer service and technical support call 1-800-543-3267*.
Please note, this is not a UW Health phone number and is not answered by UW Health staff.