Ventricular assist devices (VAD) are a mechanical circulatory support device, which is providing an effective therapy for a significant number of patients with advanced heart failure. There are mostly left VADs, although right VADs are also implanted.
On this page:
Device elements
inflow cannulas
electrically supplied pump
outflow cannula
driveline
external controller
The patient’s cardiac function and the speed settings of the VAD determine the amount of blood flow that is pumped by this device.
Indications
bridge to transplant: VADs have considerably improved the care of patients awaiting heart transplantation
destination therapy: patients implanted as “destination therapy” will remain on the VAD for the rest of their lives
bridge to recovery: temporary VAD provides support for a few days or weeks
Complications
perioperative hemorrhage
air embolism
right ventricular failure after left VAD implantation
infection
thromboembolism
device malfunction/failure
pump thrombosis
stroke
dysrhythmia
aortic regurgitation
Treatment and prognosis
As long as patient use this device, LVAD function, patient perfusion, and mean arterial pressure are being assessed and anticoagulation (warfarin) and antiplatelet therapy have to be used.