A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is a battery-operated device that is used to help the left ventricle pump blood through the body. It can be used in a variety of settings:
There are three categories for using LVADs:
- Short Term - in high-risk patients who cannot sustain life over long-term
- Intermediate Term - support patients up to 500 days with high risk of complications
- Long Term - patients with advanced heart failure in need of support outside of hospital
Pre-Operative Details:
Your surgeon will give specific instructions before the surgery, including risks (i.e. bleeding, infection, adverse reaction to anesthesia, etc.). Please make sure to contact your insurance company for coverage. You will also meet with the anesthesiologist prior to the surgery to go over your medical history. Please do not eat after midnight the night before your surgery. On the day of surgery, you will arrive at the hospital, get registered, and get changed into a hospital gown. A nurse will then review your chart to make sure there are no problems and then get all the paperwork in order for surgery. The anesthesiologist will then start an IV and you will be taken to the operating room, where the surgeon will verify your name and procedure before any medication is given. Once you are under anesthesia, surgery will begin.
Operative Details:
The surgeon will make a long incision in the chest on the breastbone/sternum and access the heart by spreading the rib cage. Cardiopulmonary bypass, a device that pumps oxygenated blood through the rest of the body bypassing the heart and lungs, may be used in some cases during LVAD installation. One end of the tube from the LVAD will be connected to the left ventricle and the other end from the external LVAD will be connected through the abdomen and to the aorta. Once the device is working properly, the patient will come off cardiopulmonary bypass and the chest will be closed with stitches.
Post-Operative Details:
After the surgery, you will be taken to the intensive care unit and be monitored. You will likely experience pain and will given pain medication appropriately. You will be on a respirator for up to day to support your breathing and you will not be able to speak during this time. You may also have chest tubes placed to drain excess fluid/blood after the surgery in the chest. It is important to keep the incision areas clean and dry. The length of your hospital stay depends on how quickly you are able to recover and perform some physical activity. If you experience fevers, severe pain, redness/swelling/warmth where the incisions were made, or drainage from the incisions, please let your doctor know immediately. Your surgeon will give specific instructions about recovery time.
