2010 BC Guide in Determining Fitness to Drive

17.45.1 Private drivers with Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD)implantationApplicationAssessment guidelinesFitness guidelinesOSMV determinationguidelinesConditionsRestrictionsPolicy rationaleThese guidelines apply to driver fitness determinations for privatedrivers with who have a LVAD implanted.If further information regarding an individual’s medical condition isrequired, OSMV will request an assessment from a cardiologist.If cognitive screening indicates that the cognitive functions necessaryfor driving are impaired, OSMV will not request further assessments.If the treating physician, or cognitive screening, indicates possibleimpairment of the cognitive functions necessary for driving, OSMVwill request a DriveABLE assessment.If the treating physician indicates concerns regarding a lack of staminaor general debility, OSMV will request an ICBC road test.Individuals may be found fit to drive if: a continuous flow LVAD has been implanted they are stable two months post implant they are NYHA Class I-III they are not receiving intermittent inotropesOSMV may find individuals fit to drive if: they have a continuous flow LVAD implanted they have been deemed stable two months post implant by thetreating cardiologist they have been assessed as NYHA Class I, II, or III they are not receiving intermittent inotropes the treating physician or cognitive screening does not indicatepossible impairment of the cognitive functions necessary fordriving or, where the treating physician or cognitive screeningindicates possible impairment of the cognitive functions necessaryfor driving, a functional assessment indicates that they have thefunctional ability required to drive a private vehicle.OSMV will impose the following condition on an individual who hasbeen treated with a LVAD and is found fit to drive: you must report to OSMV if you suffer any device relatedcomplications resulting in an impaired level of consciousness ordisability.No restrictions are required.These guidelines are consistent with the 2012 CCS Position StatementUpdate on Assessment of the Cardiac Patient for Fitness to Drive:Fitness Following Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation.206