Recommendation   Class   Level   References
Mechanical circulatory support programme management
Management of outpatients with mechanical circulatory support therapy by a dedicated and specialized multidisciplinary team is recommended.  I  B  [25, 37, 71, 137, 284, 354–360]
Successfully discharging a patient with mechanical circulatory support
Patient and caregiver education/training regarding device management, anticoagulation monitoring and driveline care is recommended.  I  B  [25, 37, 71, 137, 284, 354–360]
Blood pressure management
In patients with continuous-flow mechanical circulatory support, a mean systemic blood pressure goal of ≤85 mmHg is recommended.  I  B  [71, 377–384]
Driveline dressing management
It is recommended that driveline wound monitoring, dressing and immobilization are performed frequently by a trained person.  I  C  [71, 259, 363–376]
Driveline dressing should be changed by patients with mechanical circulatory support and/or their family members and/or their caregivers only if all of them are well-trained.  I  C  [71, 259, 363–376]
Heart failure medication after implantation of a left ventricular assist device
Heart failure medication (diuretic agents, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker, beta-blockers and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists) should be considered during mechanical circulatory support.  IIa  C  [71, 377–384, 393–400]
Driving with a ventricular assist device
Evaluation and approval of driving ability by a mechanical circulatory support physician are recommended.  I  C  [386–391]
Remote monitoring
Remote monitoring technology as a supplement to, rather than a substitute for, routine clinical visits for follow-up of patients with long-term mechanical circulatory support may be considered.  IIb  C  [71, 359–362]