What is a Left Ventricular Assist Devices?
A patient who suffers from heart failure is implanted with an LVAD, which really stands for left ventricular assist device and it is actually a mechanical pump. The device aids the left ventricle, which is the main lower left chamber of the heart. It aids this ventricle in moving blood into the aorta and all other parts of your body. That is why they called it a left ventricular assist device.
This is such an important role of the aorta - it is supposed to carry oxygen-rich blood to every part of your body. Your tissues and cells need oxygen constantly to survive.
What is a left ventricular assist device?
A left ventricular assist device is a device that pumps blood from the left ventricle into the aorta. The aorta is your big artery carrying blood from your heart to the rest of your body.
A surgeon places the pump unit of the left ventricular assist device close to the base of your heart, in your chest. This device will draw blood and deliver it through a tube into your aorta.
What are the components of a left ventricular assist device?
Components of a left ventricular assist device include:
- Pump: Connects to the driveline (cable) and controller of the control system.
- Driveline: It passes from the device through the skin of your stomach to the controller, a little computer that is outside your body.
- Operator: Moves the pump around. To help you operate the system, the controller sends out alerts and notifications.
- Source of power: The LVAD can be powered by a cable plugged into an electrical outlet or by rechargeable batteries. Batteries power devices for up to 14 hours, depending on the model. Someone has to replace their batteries when their power reaches a low point.
There are different kinds of LVADs. Your doctor will determine which is best suited for you depending on your needs and health condition.
What does a left ventricular assist device aim to do?
A supporting left ventricular is designed for the end-stage failure patient. The device is a bridge to transplant to an individual who is awaiting heart transplant. There are also some other candidates who cannot be eligible for heart transplantation. Doctors refer that destination therapy.
- Bridge to transplant (BTT)-
The condition can progress further while waiting for a heart transplant. This might lead to even greater illness and require hospitalization with damage to other organs such as the liver, kidneys, and lungs.
BTT backs you up until a donor's heart is available for transplant. With the LVAD supporting your heart, it helps you reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. A transplant surgeon would remove this device during your transplant.
Depending on the size of your body, blood type and condition you are in, the amount of time that will elapse before receiving a heart transplant after getting LVAD support varies.
- Destination therapy (DT)-
DT is suitable for patients with heart failure who do not qualify as potential candidates for heart transplant surgery. This avenue is only considered by a doctor when all other alternatives (measures include drugs and diet, and surgery to maintain the heart) have been eliminated for his patient.
A left ventricular assist device ensures your heart continues functioning well for your lifetime and increases your quality of life.
You could be recommended a left ventricular assist device depending on your health, symptoms, body size, or other medical conditions. Your doctor will decide this after consulting with you.
What do I need to do to prepare for a left ventricular assist device?
Your doctors will examine you to determine if a left ventricular assist device is suitable for you. Several tests will be conducted as part of your medical examination:
- Chest radiography.
- Blood tests.
- Test for metabolic stress.
- Cardiac catheterization.
Not all patients diagnosed with heart failure should be treated with a left ventricular assist device. You should not be administered an LVAD as a treatment for heart failure when you have:
- Blood clotting disorders.
- Irreversible renal failure.
- Severe damage to the liver.
- Severe lung diseases.
- Untreated infections with antibiotics.
What can I expect if I have a Left Ventricular Assist Device Implanted?
You will be given general anesthesia and be asleep throughout the whole open-heart surgery.
- A surgeon operating on you will: Utilize a heart-lung bypass machine that guides oxygen-rich blood from the body.
- Utilize a ventilator or other breathing assistance device to help you breathe through the procedure.
- Make an incision in the chest and open the sternum to allow the LVAD to flow into your heart. The surgeon may perform a thoracotomy, or left side of the chest incision, depending on your condition.
- Close the incision following the placement of the left ventricular assist device.
What happens following a left ventricular assist device procedure?
You'll be taught how to operate the equipment and how to behave during emergencies once you leave the hospital. But not before that- you are required to show everyone around that you know how to handle the equipment in place before leaving the hospital. And you have to prove that too; you can take care of yourself.
Instructions you'll receive on daily basis include but are not limited to:
- Dating after sex.
- Prescription medications. (This includes any anticoagulants you will have to take after implantation of an LVAD.)
- Follow an enteral diet.
Can a pacemaker help with left ventricular assistance?
No. A left ventricular assist device assists the left ventricle of your heart to pump blood. An implanted pacemaker assists in revitalizing the abnormal heartbeat back to normal.
What advantages are there of implanting a left ventricular assist device?
Patients with end-stage heart failure survive generally longer while on an LVAD rather than on medications alone. The improvement of all organ functions in the body, such as kidneys, liver, and the brain, implies symptoms like exhaustion, edema, and shortness of breath decrease. Your power and ability to do things you simply couldn't do before, like cardiac rehabilitation, improve.
How long is recovery from implantation of left ventricular assist device?
The duration in the hospital differs according to the needs of the patient because the healing process varies for different patients. A patient usually remains in the hospital for approximately 14 up to 21 days after a surgery with LVAD installation.
How long you may be able to stay home will depend on your medical condition and how quickly you improve. You might spend a few weeks in an intermediate care unit or rehabilitation center before you are well enough to return home. Talk with your healthcare team so they can assist you in making plans if you think you will need care at home.
When should I call my healthcare provider?
If you have any of the following problems with your left ventricular assist device:
- You feel like you have a fever.
- The area where the LVAD implant is located under your skin feels red.
- You feel unwell in your chest or abdomen.
- Your skin looks inflamed.
- You have back pain, back and lower body aching.
- You're short of breath.
- You have chest pain.
- You have a problem with something in your left ventricular assist device.
Why Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Left Ventricular Assist Devices?
Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital is one of the best hospital for Left Ventricular Assist Devices in Lucknow, India. With expert cardiac surgeons, modern technology, and compassionate care, the hospital ensures safer surgeries, faster recovery, and better long-term results.
To seek an expert consultation for Left Ventricular Assist Devices in Lucknow, India
Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com
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