Introduction to Ventricular Assist Device (VAD)

Introduction to Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) WHAT IS VAD AND WHAT DOES IT DO? It is a pump that assists the heart by pumping blood to the body.  It aids the failing ventricle by taking some of the work load from the heart. OR a battery-operated device that is designed to help either one or both ventricles of the heart pump blood. It does not replace the heart but instead helps the patient's own heart pump blood through the body. a mechanical device that is used to partially or completely replace the function of a failing heart.

Introduction to Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) OR a blood pump designed to help restore the circulation of blood flow to the body with mechanical circulatory support (MCS). It works to improve blood flow in concert with your heart- it does not replace your own heart.

Introduction to Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) APPLICATION Post-Cardiotomy : after-surgery use to assist recovery of patient. Bridge-to-Transplant : used temporarily while awaiting transplant. Bridge-to-Recovery : recovery from heart failure, in some cases VAD is removed and patient discharged from hospital. Chronic Support : for long term use.

Introduction to Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) WHO NEEDS VAD? Patients who are awaiting a donor heart and need the VAD as a “bridge to transplantation.” Patients with chronic heart failure who are not candidates for heart transplantation because of advanced age, kidney disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Patients who have undergone heart surgery but cannot be weaned from the heart-lung machine.

Introduction to Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) TYPES OF VADs Left ventricular assist device (LVAD)-supports only the left ventricle Right ventricular assist device (RVAD)-supports only the right ventricle Bi-ventricular assist device (LVAD)-supports both ventricles

Introduction to Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) How VAD works or operates?

Introduction to Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) During surgery, the surgeon attaches the VAD to the apex of the left ventricle and to the aorta. When the left ventricle (the major pumping chamber of the heart) contracts (systole), blood flows into the VAD pump. When the heart relaxes (diastole), the left ventricle fills with blood, and the blood in the device is pumped into the aorta. The surgeon connects the pump to the heart by using a tube that is made for this specific use.  The blood travels from the heart, down the inflow tube, and into the VAD. The VAD then pumps the blood into the outflow tube and delivers the blood to a major blood vessel. The pump is usually placed in the upper abdomen and cannot be seen.  The computer for the pump is outside the body and can be worn with a fanny pack or a belt clip.  The pump and the computer are connected by a small cord that exits the body via a small opening on the side of the abdomen.  The system can be powered by using batteries or by using an AC power adapter. The batteries enable the patient to resume most daily living activities. 

Introduction to Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) How VAD is placed

Introduction to Ventricular Assist Device (VAD)

Introduction to Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) Benefits of VAD : Relieve symptoms of severe heart failure such as breathlessness and fatigue. Short term use to support failing heart before donor available. Risk of VAD : Bleeding due to implant surgery. Development of blood clots that cause stroke. Respiratory and kidney failure. Device faillure. Infection.

Introduction to Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) VAD Products HeartMate ® Implantable

Introduction to Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) HeartMate® II

Introduction to Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) Novacor ® Implantable

Introduction to Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) VentrAssist®

Introduction to Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) Thoratec PVAD

Introduction to Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) Jarvik 2000