What is Ventricular Assist Device (VAD)?

A ventricular assist device is a mechanical pump that helps the two lower chambers of the heart (ventricles) pump blood. You may need a VAD if you have a medical condition that affects the heart muscle, such as:

• Heart failure.
• A large heart attack (myocardial infarction).
• An infection that weakens the heart muscle.

What is the purpose of a VAD?

A VAD helps the ventricles pump blood to the body. It may be used:

• To support your heart until ventricle function improves.
• To support your heart until you are able to have a heart transplant.
• To permanently support your heart if you have end-stage heart failure and you are not a candidate for a heart transplant.

How does a VAD work?

A VAD is implanted in your chest and is connected to your heart and blood vessels through tubes. The mechanical pump moves blood through your heart. A VAD has the following parts:

• Inflow tube. This tube carries oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to the VAD pump.
• Outflow tube. This tube carries blood from the VAD pump to the aorta. The aorta is the main blood vessel that delivers oxygenated blood to the body.
• A mechanical pump. This is usually implanted in your chest, but it may be outside of your body depending on which type of VAD you have.
• System controller. The controller consists of batteries and electronics that control the VAD. The system controller sits outside of your body.
• Percutaneous lead. This is the tube that connects the VAD pump to the system controller. The tube is put through a small opening in your abdomen.

Blood may be pumped through the VAD in one of the following ways:

• Pulse flow. Blood is pumped through the VAD at regular intervals, similar to a normal heartbeat.
• Continuous flow. Blood is pumped through the VAD at a steady rate (continuously). This means that you may not feel a pulse.

What are the different types of VADs?

The type of VAD that you need depends on your heart condition and other medical conditions you have. Your health care provider will determine which type of device you need. Types of VADs include:

• Left ventricular assist device (LVAD). This is the most common type of VAD. It helps the left ventricle pump blood to the aorta.
• Right ventricular assist device (RVAD). This helps pump blood from the right ventricle to the lungs.
• Biventricular assist device (BIVAD). This combines an LVAD and an RVAD. A BIVAD helps the ventricles pump blood to the aorta and the lungs.
• Transcutaneous VAD. This is also called a bedside VAD. This is used in emergency or short-term situations. The pump is located outside of the body (it is transcutaneous).

What are the risks of having a VAD?

Generally, VAD implantation and usage is safe. However, problems may occur, including:

• Infection. You may be prescribed antibiotic medicine to help prevent infection.
• Bleeding or blood clots.
  • You will be prescribed blood thinners (anticoagulants) to prevent blood clots.
  • You will have frequent blood samples to measure how quickly your blood clots.
• Allergic reactions to medicines.
• Damage to other structures or organs.
• Stroke. A stroke may be caused by:
  • A blood clot (ischemic stroke).
  • Bleeding in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke).
• VAD malfunction.

What are the benefits of having a VAD?

Benefits of having a VAD may include:

• Reduced strain on your heart.
• Increased likelihood that you may receive a heart transplant.
• Being able to do things that you could not do before getting a VAD, such as exercising or traveling.
• The potential recovery of heart muscle function.

How is a VAD implanted?

A VAD is implanted with open heart surgery. After the procedure, you will recover in an intensive care unit (ICU). A machine (ventilator) will help move air in and out of your lungs until you can breathe on your own.