Cardiac / Inotropic Therapy

Cardiac therapy is used when you need medication to help your heart pump more effectively. The administration of cardiac medications in the home may reduce the number of hospitalizations and emergency department visits due to Chronic Congestive Heart Failure or for those patients awaiting heart transplant. Medications that may be administered are Dopamine, Dobutamine or Milrinone.

Your therapy will be given into your bloodstream through an intravenous catheter. The catheter must be a Central Venous Access Device (CVAD) placed in a large vein whose tip is close to the heart. Cardiac medications are given via a small ambulatory pump and the infusion rate is closely monitored. The length and frequency of your therapy depends on your condition and how your body responds to the medication.

Your Nation’s Infusion at Home nurse and pharmacist will provide all instructions necessary regarding infusion techniques and procedures to maximize independence and minimize interference in your normal daily activities.