Frequently Asked Questions: Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs)

Below are some of the questions that are frequently asked by patients considering a VAD.

What is a VAD? Show: A ventricular assist device is a small pump that sits inside or outside the body and does the job of the heart when the heart is too sick to pump.
How can a VAD help a patient with end-stage heart failure? Show: VADs can support a patient’s blood flow to their body until their heart recovers, is replaced by a transplanted heart or for the duration of the patient’s life (destination therapy).
Our VAD program offers a broad range of circulatory support devices, which enables us to support all children and young adults, regardless of size or cause of heart disease.
Our approach to care is individual to each patient, making us unique in the field of mechanical circulatory support.
How do you decide which VAD is best for each individual? Show: The person’s size, age and disease state are all taken into account when deciding what device is right for each patient.
What can I expect from the procedure? Show: Implantation requires an open heart procedure which includes attachment of outflow and inflow tubing to the heart and the main artery of the body, the aorta. A pump is then attached to the tubes and pumps blood to the body.
The patient is then recovered in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit until they are stabilized. The recovery time varies depending on the size of the patient and the device that is chosen. A thorough explanation is provided at the time of consultation since this is patient dependent.
After intensive care issues have resolved the patient is transitioned to our step down unit to wait for transplant or prepare for discharge home.
Will I be able to go home with a VAD? Show: The answer to this question depends on the VAD that is used. Some VADs are only designed and FDA approved to be used in the hospital.
What can I expect living with a VAD? Show: Daily activities will likely be different since you rely on battery power and electricity. We encourage patients to discuss this question with other patients that have VADS if possible.
If you are on a durable device that allows for discharge home, you will be able to lead a relatively normal life. You can exercise, travel and go to school and work.
What are the risks to be most aware of when living with a VAD? Show: After the device is placed and you have recovered from surgery, the biggest risks are regarding the blood thinners that are required to keep the device functioning. After discharge there is a risk of stroke and bleeding.