What is ventricular assist device?

A ventricular assist device (VAD) helps pump blood from your heart to the rest of your body. It's used when your heart is not able to pump enough blood on its own.

The device consists of a pump, tubes that connect the pump to the heart, a control system, and a power source. A thin cable connects the pump with the control system. This cable, also called a lead or driveline, comes out of your belly through a small cut in your skin called an exit site.

Your doctor may recommend that you get a VAD if:

• You are waiting for a heart transplant.
• Your heart needs long-term help to pump blood.
• Your heart is healing from an injury or illness and it needs help until it can pump on its own.

VADs come in different shapes and sizes. You will receive the type of device that works best for your needs.

During surgery, the doctor attaches the pump to the lower left chamber of the heart. A tube connects the pump to the aorta. The aorta is the artery that sends blood from the heart to the body. The doctor may place the pump inside or outside of your body.

If the pump is placed inside your body, the doctor will make a small cut in the skin of your belly. This cut is called an exit site. The doctor places a thin cable through the cut. The cable connects the pump to the control system. Other cables connect the control system to the battery packs. Most people carry the battery packs and control system in a shoulder strap and belt.

Some people decide to turn off their VAD near the end of life. Making this decision can be easier after you, your doctor, and your family or friends have talked about what you can expect from your life now and in the future. When you schedule your next doctor visit, ask if you can have time to talk about your end-of-life wishes.

A ventricular assist device (VAD) can be used as a temporary or long-term treatment for severe heart failure. A VAD may be used for only a short time if a person's heart gets strong again and is able to pump blood well enough by itself. VADs may be used to help people who are waiting for a heart transplant. In some cases, VADs can be used long-term along with other heart failure treatments like medicines.

A ventricular assist device (VAD) used before a heart transplant can help people live until they receive the transplant.

VADs used for long-term therapy may help lower the risk of death compared to medical treatment alone. And a VAD might help a person feel better and be able to do better with daily activities.