Item: The Freedom Undervest
Rating: 4
Author: Elizabeth Smith

Product Description

We’ve named our groundbreaking LVAD vest the “Freedom Undervest” because it will free you from the VAD bag! The Freedom Undervest can be used with both the HeartWare and the HeartMate LVAD systems! Go hands-free with this patent-pending undergarment, designed to securely hold your controller and batteries beneath your clothing. The Undervest is not just another LVAD shirt, but the first TRULY protective LVAD shirt. Freedom from worry and anxiety is our primary focus at Medi-Materials. Living your best life as an LVAD recipient means knowing you have the best tools and technology at your disposal to protect you. By its design, the Freedom Undervest my reduce the risks of both driveline damage and driveline infections: both of which may lead to pump exchange operations and lengthy hospitalization and recuperation. Unlike many of our competitors, Medi-Materials.com is comprised of a team of both Advanced Heart Failure clinicians with decades of experience with mechanical assist devices and actual LVAD recipients like you, who understand the day-to-day concerns and fears LVADers live with, everyday. We invite to gain your FREEDOM!

Additional Information

Weight	N/A
Dimensions	N/A
Size	Small, Medium, Large, XL to 3XL

FAQ

Can the Freedom Undervest be used with HeartWare LVAD equipment?

Yes! The Undervests supports all LVAD systems.

How does the Undervest help decrease the risk of driveline infections?

Wearing the Freedom Undervest may help reduce the risk of driveline infections by:

Immobilizing the driveline at the wound site: minimizing movement at the exit site which reduces trauma to the soft tissue.
Evenly distributes the weight of the external LVAD equipment without applying tension to the driveline.

How does the Freedom Undervest protect the LVAD equipment and driveline?

The driveline and LVAD equipment is carried comfortably next to the body under the clothing. The driveline is never exposed while wearing the Undervest properly, so there is a much reduced likelihood for snagging or other types of damage to occur to it. When worn properly, the dedicated pockets securely hold the controller and batteries. The larger Kangaroo pouch that houses the pockets will catch the equipment even if in the unlikely event that it inadvertently falls out of the pocket.

What is the Freedom Undervest made from?

The Undervest is made of a 83% Polyester, 17% Lycra blend that offers 4-way stretch and supple compression.

Is the Undervest machine washable?

Yes! Machine wash in cold water only. It is a good idea to fasten the Velcro fasteners before washing to preserve their integrity.

Can you sleep with the Undervest?

Yes! For the HeartMate II and III LVADS, leaving the system controller in its pocket, switch from your batteries to your patient cable as you do normally, while wearing the Undervest. There are gaps in the Velcro fastener on both sides of the Kangaroo pouch where the cable can easily be passed through, depending upon which side you sleep on. Fasten the Undervest closed and enjoy your rest without the VAD bag. For Heartware LVADS, leave both the controller and one of your batteries in their designated pocket (or anywhere in the larger Kangaroo pouch that is comfortable). Replace and remove the other battery with the charging cable as you would normally do. Pass the charging cable through either of the gaps in the Velcro fastener and rest easier.

In what sizes does the Undervest come?

We offer the Undervest in four sizes: small, medium, large and , X-large. Because the stretch characteristics of the Undervest have to be considered, we advise that you purchase the Undervest one full shirt size SMALLER than you normally wear.

I wear a 3XL. Will the Undervest fit me?

The X-Large may accommodate sizes up to 3XL in most cases, depending upon your build

The system controller really gets hot sometimes. Should I be concerned that it will get uncomfortably warm in the pouch?

No. The controller pocket is lined with an insulating material that actually reflect heat away from your body. While in its pocket, you should feel no heat from the controller.

Do I need to wear the adhesive driveline anchor while wearing the Undervest?

No. Since your LVAD equipment will be nestled in their pockets and the driveline secured beneath the Undervest, there is no fear of tugging or pulling at the exit site.

How do I check my Controller parameters or replace my batteries while wearing the Undervest?

Checking your controller or replacing your batteries is easily done by opening up the kangaroo pouch. There are tabs (top and bottom) in the front and on either side, to easily pull the Velcro fastener apart. You can simply look down and check your controller parameters (Heartware) or lift it out of its pocket to view the LED screen (HeartMate II and III). To replace the batteries, unfasten the Velcro on the side where the battery rests, lift it out and switch it as usual, then place the new battery in to the side pocket. Refasten the Velcro by lining up the top and bottom tabs on the front and on each side of the Undervest, for a neat closure.

Does the Undervest come in other colors besides white?

Not yet. Though the fabric is available in other colors, black is the only other color most customers are interested in. The price for this fabric in black is almost double! We are committed to keeping the Undervest affordable. Being an undergarment, you will need to have more than one, so we want to keep the cost of the Undervest low. We are negotiating with the supplier for better pricing.

Where is the Freedom Undervest made?

All of Medi-Materials products are made in the USA!

Research

The Trouble with Driveline Infections
- “While much is known about driveline infections, little has been published on their “natural” history. We sought to describe DLIs over time in our patients with continuous flow (Heart Mate II) VADs including the onset, risk factors, organisms involved, association with invasive infections and outcomes.”
Technique for minimizing and treating driveline infections
- “Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are increasingly utilized in the management of advanced heart failure.A transcutaneous driveline is necessary to power the LVAD, and although this technology has improved over the years in terms of smaller size and increased durability, driveline complications continue to develop in up to 20% of all devices implanted. Driveline infections are associated with signifcant morbidity and mortality.”
Driveline Infection in Ventricular Assist Devices and Its Implication in the Present Era of Destination Therapy
- “As the prevalence of heart failure continues to increase, it is estimated that 8million Americans will suffer from this disease by 2030.”
Left ventricular assist device driveline infections: recent advances and future goals
- “Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have revolutionized the treatment of advanced heart failure, but infection remains a substantial risk. LVAD driveline infections (DLIs) are the most common type of LVAD-associated infection (LVADI).”

Resources

1 review for The Freedom Undervest

Rated 4 out of 5

Elizabeth Smith – September 27, 2018

I love my shirt and just ordered another one. It’s well made and securely holds my equipment. The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars is because of the controller section. I have a Heartware VAD and the cables all come out on the sides. The Velcro on the driveline side needs to be stretched across both cables. I’d like it more if the Velcro closure was two parts, one for driveline and one for battery.
- John – September 28, 2018
  
  Hello Elizabeth,
  
  We really like your idea! The HeartWare controller is a bit awkward in that it has cables coming out from two sides. The Velcro fasteners were meant to hold the controller in place until the larger kangaroo pouch was secured. We think your idea can be implemented in a near future version of the Undervest.
  
  Thank you!