Where is a LVAD placed?

A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is implanted in the chest. It helps pump blood from the lower left heart chamber (left ventricle) to the rest of the body. A control unit and battery pack are worn outside the body and are connected to the LVAD through a small opening (port) in the skin.

What is the newest LVAD?

The HeartMate 3 LVAD is now FDA approved for advanced heart failure patients who are not viable candidates for transplant. For those patients, their pump will be with them for the rest of their lives.

What is the life expectancy of someone with an LVAD?

As per research, 80–85% of patients are alive a year after having an LVAD placed and 70–75% of patients are alive for 2 years with an LVAD. Usually, patients without LVAD have a life expectancy of 12 months or less. The expected survival for people with an LVAD continues to improve with newer technology.

Is an LVAD major surgery?

Implanting an LVAD requires major surgery and the need to stay in the hospital for about two weeks. Some risks of the procedure include bleeding, blood clots, stroke, and infection.

How serious is LVAD surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, LVAD implantation is associated with an adverse event profile. Such complications of LVAD therapy include bleeding, infection, pump thrombosis, right heart failure, device malfunction, and stroke.

How long does LVAD surgery take?

The procedure lasts 4-6 hours. The surgeon will make an incision down your chest and open your chest bone (sternum) to reach your heart and attach the LVAD. At times, depending on your situation, the doctors may elect to make an incision on the left side of your chest (Thoracotomy).

How long does a HeartWare battery last?

The HeartWare® Convertible Patient Pack holds the controller and two batteries for daily use.

How do you shower with LVAD?

For safety, you must wear the LVAD shower bag around your neck the entire time you are in the shower (see page 2). – Remove the shoulder strap from the carrier. Place the entire LVAD carrier, with controller and batteries still secured, into the bag.

How long is hospital stay after LVAD surgery?

How long does it take to recover from surgery? Patients usually remain in the hospital for two to three weeks after the LVAD device is implanted, then continue recovering at home for several weeks. Ultimately, people can resume almost all their normal activities, including work.

Is LVAD covered by insurance?

Insurance Coverage In the United States, both FDA approved and unapproved (clinical trial) LVADs are reimbursable by The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and most private insurance companies.

How long do you stay in hospital after LVAD surgery?

On average patients remain in the hospital for 14 – 21 days after LVAD implantation. During this time you and your caregivers will begin learning about your new device.

How do you sleep with LVAD?

Stomach sleeping can compress or pull on the driveline. Sleeping on your back is the best option, although some LVAD patients find it comfortable to sleep on their sides. You’ll also need to make sure that the driveline doesn’t get tangled in clothing or blankets.

How do LVAD patients shower?

Place the entire LVAD carrier, with controller and batteries still secured, into the bag. Make sure your driveline faces toward the side of the shower bag that has the zipper stopper, not the side with the zipper. Pinch the toggle and tighten the drawstring closed, then zip the outer layer closed.

Who qualifies for LVAD?

To get an LVAD, your left ventricle has to be damaged enough to need the pump. Yet your body has to be healthy enough to undergo surgery. An LVAD may be an option if you have heart failure and you: Are waiting for a heart transplant.