Quick facts
Treatment type
Implanted mechanical heart pump
Used as
Bridge to transplant, bridge to recovery, or destination therapy
Anaesthesia
General
Follow-up
Lifelong LVAD team monitoring
What is it
A Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) is a mechanical pump that helps a weakened left ventricle pump blood to the rest of the body. It is used for patients with advanced heart failure who do not respond adequately to medications and other therapies.
Why it is done
The LVAD takes blood from the left ventricle and pumps it to the aorta, helping deliver oxygen-rich blood to the body and reducing the workload of the failing heart.
Who needs it
Severe weakness of the left ventricle
Persistent symptoms despite optimal medical therapy
Frequent hospitalisations
Poor quality of life
Limited ability to perform daily activities
The heart team evaluates each patient to determine whether LVAD therapy is appropriate.
Types and options
Bridge to transplant - for patients who are awaiting a heart transplant.
Bridge to recovery - where the heart may recover with time and mechanical support.
Destination therapy - for patients who are not candidates for heart transplantation and require long-term mechanical support.
Tests before treatment
Heart function
Severity of heart failure
Medical history and symptoms
Response to medical treatment
Overall health and suitability for LVAD therapy
Candidacy for heart transplantation, where applicable
How it is done
The LVAD system consists of an internal pump, an outflow graft, a driveline, an external controller and a power source.
Recovery
Living with an LVAD means ongoing care of the system: daily battery changes, usually once or twice a day; carrying spare batteries and equipment; showering only as permitted and with proper protection; avoiding damage to or pulling of the driveline; watching for signs of infection or alarms; and regular follow-up and monitoring. Continuous follow-up with the LVAD team is essential.
Benefits and outcomes
Improves survival - may help patients with advanced heart failure live longer
Improves quality of life - can relieve fatigue and shortness of breath
Increases activity level - may allow patients to become more active and independent
Bridge to options - can bridge to heart transplantation or recovery, or give long-term support when transplantation is not an option
Risks and complications
Infection of the driveline or device
Bleeding
Blood clots, including stroke or pump thrombosis
Device malfunction
Right heart failure
Early detection and close follow-up help manage these risks.
Preparing to travel
Complete a detailed heart-failure evaluation
Undergo the required cardiac and medical tests
Assess suitability for LVAD therapy
Evaluate transplant eligibility where applicable
Review medications and overall health with the heart team
How it is done
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1
Surgery
The LVAD is implanted through an incision in the upper abdomen or chest.
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2
Pump placement
The pump is attached to the left ventricle and connected to the aorta.
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3
Driveline exit
The driveline is tunnelled through the skin and connected to the external system.
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4
System connection
The driveline is connected to the controller and the power source.
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5
The goal
The LVAD improves blood flow, helps relieve heart-failure symptoms and supports quality of life.
Where you can have this
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What it costs
What changes the price
Type of LVAD
Device and equipment used
Hospital selected
Surgeon and specialist team
Pre-operative investigations
Length of hospital stay
Post-operative and long-term LVAD care
Additional medical requirements
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