Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) FAQ
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What is a left ventricular assist device?
A left ventricular assist device is a battery-operated, mechanical pump that is surgically implanted in patients with heart failure. It helps the left ventricle (main pumping chamber of the heart) pump blood to the rest of the body.
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When is a left ventricular assist device needed?
A left ventricular assist device is most often used when a patient with heart failure is waiting for heart transplant surgery. In some cases, left ventricular assist devices restore failing hearts, eliminating the need for a transplant. An LVAD can also be used in patients with end stage heart failure who do not qualify for a heart transplant, prolonging life and improving quality of life.
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Who can get a VAD?
For a patient to receive a VAD, they need to have a heart sick enough to need one, but must not be too sick overall — otherwise the VAD is too risky. To determine whether the heart is sick enough, and whether the rest of the body in in good enough shape. we perform a number of objective tests. Learn more about our patient evaluation process »
When the evaluation has finished, your cardiologist will present your case to the LVAD/heart transplant selection committee. The committee meets weekly to determine whether LVAD is the right therapy for you. Other treatment options include continued medical therapy or cardiac transplantation.
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How does a VAD get implanted, and what can I expect
around the procedure?Learn more about what to expect for VAD implantation here »
Also download our pre-LVAD teaching presentation to learn more about the procedure.
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What is life like after a VAD (can I shower, have sex, travel
or work) implantation?After a VAD, patients can perform most activities that patients without heart failure perform. They can bicycle, hike, and even return to work in some cases. They can shower, have sex, and travel, with minor accommodations. LVAD patients cannot swim, play contact sports, or be away from a source of electrical power.
Watch this video to learn what life is like after VAD implantation, from Stanford patient Donna Jackson.
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What are the benefits and risks of VAD implantation?
Benefits: A better quality of life (less fatigue, more strength, and better breathing) and longer survival. Some VAD patients have been on support for up to seven years.
Complications: Bleeding, stroke, infection, and death.
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How will my medications change after an LVAD procedure?
Surprisingly, you may be on many of the same medications you were taking for heart failure after LVAD placement, including beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and diuretics (water pills – such as Lasix). Two medications all LVAD patients receive initially are blood thinners warfarin and aspirin to make sure the pump runs smoothly and doesn't clot.
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Why choose Stanford Hospital & Clinics for implantation
of a left ventricular assist device?Stanford's heart failure and cardiomyopathy clinic has the accumulated wisdom of 30 years of research and clinical experience, and is formulating the latest advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure. Learn more about the Stanford Experience »