periodic breathing help

[chot]

Hello, my father has end-stage heart failure and he is on maximal medical therapy. His most troublesome symptom is periodic breathing only (central sleep apnoea). He gets this on occasion usually if he is a bit overloaded or has a chest infection, but it is maybe getting more frequent. He is on 24hr oxygen and often tries BIPAP which only occasionally works. Are there any other treatment options available that may help? Many thanks

[kenkeith]

When there is heart failure that reduces the amount of blood/oxygen to the heart muscles with each heartbeat. Your father has concomitant medical issues associated with respiratory problems.

If the concomitant health issues are successfully treated, there may be some help with an implant of a pump for the heart failure.  Former Vice President **** Cheney, 69, who underwent surgery recently to implant a pump to assist his heart, "may be only one step away from a heart transplant, according to cardiac experts".  It can also be used as a permanent device.

Sorry to hear of the health problems your father has and thanks for sharing.  Hope it works out for your father and there is improvement.  Take care.