Ventricular Assist Device Frequently Asked Questions

A VAD is an implanted device that does the work of pumping blood when your heart no longer can on its own.

An LVAD — left ventricular assist device — pumps blood from the left pumping chamber (ventricle) of your heart to the aorta, the main artery that carries blood from the heart to your body.

An RVAD — right ventricular assist device — pumps blood from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery, which carries blood to the lungs.

If both types are used at the same time, it's called a BIVAD, or biventricular assist device.

A VAD has internal parts — a pump implanted in your chest and a tube that connects the pump to the main artery (the aorta). A VAD also includes the external system that operates it — a controller and 2 battery packs you wear either under or over clothing.

A thin cable called the driveline runs from the pump through a tiny incision on your belly and attaches to the controller. The controller gives you messages about the system. The rechargeable batteries power the pump.

If you have end-stage heart disease, a VAD can help you live longer and feel better. The device was initially designed to keep someone alive while they waited for a heart transplant, called a bridge-to-transplant.

Today, a VAD is also used long-term for people who are not eligible for a transplant, which is known as a destination therapy.

The largest study of patients on a VAD showed that life expectancy with the device has improved as the incidence of infections and blood clots — potential risks with a VAD — have declined. Patients can live up to 10 years with the same device. If any complications or malfunction occurs, we can exchange your device for a new one.

There are risks with any surgery. Your Temple doctor will talk with you about how we reduce the risk for complications and how we manage those risks if they develop. The most common risks of VAD surgery include:

• Infection
• Blood clots and stroke
• Bleeding
• Device malfunction

Implanting a ventricular assist device requires open heart surgery that usually takes 6-8 hours. The procedure is done under general anesthesia, so you're asleep the entire time.

You and your caregiver(s) will spend time with your doctor and VAD coordinator before and after your surgery. You'll learn how to operate a VAD and how to live with the device. Your team will explain what you need to know step-by-step to make sure you feel comfortable about operating the device.

You'll practice living with the VAD while you're in the hospital. After you're discharged, help is just a phone call away if you have questions or concerns. You'll have regular follow-up visits to see how you’re doing and track how the device is functioning.

The driveline connects the VAD pump to the controller and batteries outside your body. The exit site, where the driveline comes out of your body, needs to be covered with a sterile dressing. It's important to keep that area clean and avoid excessive movement of the line to reduce risk of infection.

Your Temple team will teach you and your caregiver how to change the dressing and how to keep it clean.

You will continue taking medications for heart failure. Because there is a risk of blood clots developing in the device, you'll also need to take blood thinners.

Having a VAD will come with changes to your daily routine you'll need to get used to. But your new "normal" will also come with changes in how you feel — you'll have more energy and be less short of breath.

The ventricular assist device, controller and batteries are always connected to your body, but they won't keep you from a normal daily routine. You’ll have to be aware of the battery charge and your access to an outlet and power source.

You may need to adjust how you lay when you sleep, so you aren't on the controller.

Caregiver support is essential, especially the first 3 months after your surgery. You can be left alone once you have fully recovered, and you and your doctor feel confident about your ability to deal with issues that could possibly develop on your own.

You can shower with a VAD after your incision heals, with accommodations. You’ll use a special shower kit to keep the controller and batteries dry. The equipment cannot be submerged, so you won’t be able to take baths or swim.

While your body heals and recovers after surgery, you should not drive. After you've recovered, you and your doctor will talk about when it's appropriate to drive again.

Being active is good for your physical health and your mental health, too. Your only restrictions after you fully recover are swimming and contact sports. You'll be able to ease back into the activities you enjoy. Remember, it takes time for your body to recover and to build your stamina back up.

Heart failure likely limited your travel, but a VAD makes travel possible again. Talk with your doctor about travel plans. They can help you find a VAD facility where you're going in case an issue comes up.

If you're flying, it's helpful to carry a letter from your doctor, notifying security and the airline you may have special needs. You cannot go through a metal detector/scanner with your equipment.

Whether you're flying or driving, make sure you have fully charged batteries to power your equipment until you get to your destination.

Well-controlled blood pressure helps your VAD function at its best. That's why your doctor monitors your blood pressure closely and adjusts your medications as needed. Don't be alarmed if you cannot feel your pulse or get a blood pressure reading with a regular blood pressure cuff. It's due to how the VAD pumps the blood.