Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) Program
Mechanical Circulatory Support
Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy has become more promising due to recent data that suggests improved survival and quality of life in patients with end stage heart failure. Our group is expanding the use of this new technology beyond patients who are waiting for transplant (‘bridge to transplant’) to patients who do not qualify for transplant but have an unacceptable quality of life on medical therapy (‘destination therapy’). At Stanford, we have the newest devices available, including the HeartMate II and HeartWare devices, in order to provide the best care for our patients.
Some patients with heart failure feel worse despite the best medical therapy, and require advanced treatments for heart failure. A VAD is a surgically implanted device that helps the heart pump blood to the rest of the body.
A VAD increases long-term survival, quality of life, and allows patients with heart failure to return home to an active lifestyle. Learn more by reading the VAD FAQ »
Why Stanford?
Stanford researchers were instrumental in the development of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy, leading to the first successful bridge to transplant implant in 1984 at Stanford by Dr. Philip Oyer.
We offer LVAD as both a bridge to heart transplant in patients waiting for a heart, and destination VAD therapy (when transplant is not the best option).
Stanford is one of two destination therapy VAD programs in the Bay Area, with the highest volume in the Bay Area, and is one of seven in California.
The Stanford Experience
Comprehensive Treatment:
- Stanford utilizes both well studied, FDA approved VADs with excellent track records, and newer, promising VADs to support the needs of all types of patients.
- The full complement of temporary (percutaneous) VADs is also available at Stanford for emergent situations, including ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation).
- Stanford has a history of innovation in end stage heart failure and offers comprehensive treatment, (link to cardiomyopathy page) including mechanical circulatory support.
Individualized Treatment:
- We have a specialized and dedicated VAD team consisting of medical and surgical physicians, nurse practitioners, dieticians, nurses, pharmacists, physical/occupational therapists, and social workers.
- Our talented team are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Early and continued communication between referring cardiologists and our specialized heart failure team is a priority.
Cutting-Edge Research:
- Stanford is one of the select institutions currently participating in the ADVANCE bridge-to-transplant trial.
- Stanford will be participating in the ENDURANCE destination therapy study.
Also download our pre-LVAD teaching presentation to learn more about the procedure.