Nicholas Hobbs

Cardiac Device Engineer @Emory Healthcare

Atlanta, GA, US

I am part of specialized team tasked with preparing, implementing, and monitoring Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs) for patient populations experiencing end stage heart failure. The dynamic nature of this role leads to time spent in the OR assisting the surgical team and spent supporting Doctors, Nurses, Patients and caregivers during recovery in both inpatient and outpatient capacities. Responsibilities include- Preparing, activating and controlling device during LVAD implantation- Working closely with Anesthesia to manage hemodynamics during all procedures involving LVAD patients- Taking nightly call and managing 24 hour LVAD-specific emergency line for EUH- Providing staff education annually to establish and maintain competency with LVAD patients for nurses in CV units- Managing hospital LVAD implant inventory as well as monitoring equipment inventory- Providing education for patients and caregivers during initial discharge and in outpatient settings- capturing patient equipment needs during OP visits and communicating them to DMEsAs on Organ Care System (OCS) operator, I accompany a team of several CT surgeons and perfusionists as we travel to donor sites throughout the country to carry out DCD heart procurement, managing and monitoring the organ up until transplant. Responsibilities include- Assembling modular components and testing OCS prior to procurement- Operating OCS during all phases of procurement up until transplant - Monitoring heart during return trip and providing medication as needed at Surgeon\'s discretion- Managing OCS inventory and peripherals- Collecting and sharing data points with OCS manufacturer