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Ventricular assist devices (VADs) are pumps that help pump blood from the lower chambers of the heart to the rest of the body's organs. It's a therapy for heart failure or a failing heart. While further therapies, like such a heart transplant, are not yet a reality, a VAD can be used to sustain the heart. A VAD can be used to help the heart pump forever.

A long-term mechanical circulatory support device (VAD) is another term for all of these devices.

A VAD is most commonly placed in the left ventricle, which is the lower chamber of the heart. A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is its name when it is placed inside the left ventricle. LVADs are what this article discusses.

An LVAD is used to support patients with severe left-sided heart failure when the heart can't pump enough blood. It can be used as a destination therapy for non-transplant candidates, a bridge to recovery in reversible disorders, or a bridge to transplant.

See a cardiologist if your heart failure symptoms—such as shortness of breath, edema, excessive exhaustion, or repeated hospitalisations despite the best medical treatment- get worse. If you are waiting for a heart transplant or if traditional treatments don't work, you can be recommended for an LVAD examination. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience fever, device alerts, bleeding, or infection symptoms after implantation.

Comprehensive medical assessments, device care education, and collaboration with a multidisciplinary care team are all part of being ready for an LVAD. In addition to receiving social and emotional support, patients might need to modify their lifestyle prior to surgery.

Anaesthesia: The patient is put under general anaesthesia.
Incision: Usually, a median sternotomy (chest opening) is carried out.
Pump Location: After the LVAD is surgically installed, the outflow cannula is attached to the aorta and the inflow cannula is inserted into the left ventricle.
Controller & Power Source: The patient's external controller and battery pack are coupled to a driveline cable inserted through the abdomen.
Heart-Lung Machine: During surgery, the patient can be hooked up to a heart-lung bypass machine.
Closure: Sutures and staples close the chest after the device is in position and operating.

LVAD implantation typically takes 4 to 6 hours, depending on the patient's condition and the complexity of the case.

Potential risks of LVAD implantation include:

Infection
Strokes and thrombosis
Bleeding
Failure of the right heart
Kidney damage
Failure of the left ventricular assist device

Vital organs, including the kidneys, liver, and brain, work better when blood flow is increased throughout the body by a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). It improves strength and the capacity to engage in previously challenging tasks, including cardiac rehabilitation, by reducing symptoms like exhaustion, dyspnea, and edema. Furthermore, patients can frequently leave the hospital and continue their recovery at home with the help of an LVAD.

Recovery following LVAD surgery requires a hospital stay of two to four weeks, including intensive care unit time. Patients and caregivers are trained on how to use devices, charge batteries, and change dressings. Regular follow-ups and cardiac rehabilitation are important. It could take several months to recover fully, requiring constant medication and lifestyle changes.

LVADS have a 1-year survival rate of over 80% and a 2-year survival rate of 70%. Usually, both functional status and quality of life improve. Because of their superior results and increased longevity, continuous-flow LVADS are in the lead.