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    Treatments & Services

Ventricular assist devices (VADs)

A VAD is a mechanical heart pump designed to assist your heart in moving blood through the body. We use VADs to help some patients with heart failure who are awaiting heart transplantation or as a permanent life prolonging device.

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Related conditions

Heart FailureOur Heart Success Program provides specialized heart care for advanced heart failure.
Heart Attack (Acute Myocardial Infarction)Heart specialists provide the latest diagnosis and treatment options for heart attacks.

Why you may need a VAD

VADs are often used for patients with heart failure who are waiting for a donor heart. They help support the heart’s function temporarily. Your doctor also may suggest a VAD if you’re recovering from a heart attack or heart surgery.

In some cases, though, you may need a VAD for a longer period of time, sometimes even for life. That may be an option if you have severe heart failure and aren’t a candidate for a heart transplant.

Find a VAD program near you

Gina W.'s story

"All of my friends, family and medical team encouraged me and supported me at every step. They helped make the hardest decisions a little bit easier and a little less scary."

Gina W., cardiac patient

Read Gina’s story
Gina W.

How the process starts

If your care team determines you would benefit from a VAD, they’ll next focus on which type of VAD would be most beneficial, and which use case would be most appropriate for your care.

Common types of VAD

The most common type of VAD is a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). This device helps the left ventricle pump blood to the aorta, the main artery carrying blood to the body. A right ventricular assist device (RVAD) works similarly, but supports the right ventricle in pumping blood. There are also bi-ventricular assist devices (BiVADs) that support the function of both ventricles.

VAD implantation

Our cardiac surgeons implant VADs either as part of cardiac surgery or during a cardiac catheterization procedure. We use the most advanced technologies available, including the Abiomed® Impella and the Abbott CentriMag™. We also use the Abbott Heartmate II® and 3®.

Long-term and short-term VADs

What to expect

If you and your care team decide a VAD is the best option for you, a cardiac surgeon will likely implant your device during open-heart surgery, which usually lasts several hours. You’ll need to stay in the hospital after VAD surgery, but the length of stay will depend on how healthy you were before surgery and how quickly you recover.

We monitor you during this time for any potential complications, starting you on antibiotics and blood-thinning medication to prevent infections and blood clots. We also use this time to teach you and your family about living with a heart assist device, going over cleaning tips, signs of infection, the charging process and what to do if you encounter any problems.

We may also recommend a cardiac rehabilitation program to help you improve your heart health after surgery.

 

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