In June 2025, the American Society for Artificial Internal Organs (ASAIO) convened a distinguished group of cardiothoracic surgeons and healthcare professionals to exchange knowledge and develop insights on critical advancements in cardiothoracic surgery. This annual conference serves as a significant platform for experts in the field to discuss pioneering techniques and therapies that could enhance patient care. For those interested in further exploration of the discussions, upcoming videos from ASAIO 2025 will be available on their official website.
One of the noteworthy presentations was delivered by Andrea Fasbinder, who serves as the ventricular assist device (VAD) nurse coordinator at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health. Her talk, titled “The VAD Road Map to the ACCU: Improving Clinician and Family Expectations from the CVICU to the ACCU,” focused on strategies to elevate the experience of both patients and their families during transitions from the cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU) to the adult cardiac care unit (ACCU).
Fasbinder delineated a structured approach summarized in a “road map” that guides families through this pivotal phase of treatment. She presented data from a survey distributed to patients and their families, which aimed to capture their expectations and experiences as they transferred from one unit to another. The insights gleaned from this survey indicated a measurable improvement in the families’ comfort levels and understanding of the care process during their loved ones’ transitions. The feedback highlighted that families felt more actively engaged and informed about their roles and responsibilities throughout this critical period.
Furthermore, Fasbinder emphasized the importance of continuous dialogue between healthcare providers and families in facilitating smoother transitions. The presentation underscored the need for comprehensive communication strategies aimed at aligning clinician and family expectations, ultimately contributing to better therapeutic outcomes.
In closing her presentation, Fasbinder outlined key takeaways and presented a vision for future initiatives aimed at enhancing patient and family experiences. These efforts reflect a broader commitment within the cardiothoracic surgical community to improve patient-centered care through innovative protocols and enhanced communication practices.
For more information regarding this pivotal event and other related topics, visit the ASAIO conference page for valuable resources and video content in the weeks to come.
[Disclaimer: The perspectives shared on CTSNet.org are attributed to their respective authors and do not represent the views of CTSNet. A comprehensive disclaimer is available on their website.]
,fit(1200,675),quality(65)&w=300&resize=300,300)
