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Mechanical Heart Assist Device/ Ventricular Assist Device

Mechanical Heart Assist Device/ Ventricular Assist Device - Symptoms

Mechanical Heart Assist Device/ Ventricular Assist Device - How to prevent?

Mechanical Heart Assist Device/ Ventricular Assist Device - Causes and Risk Factors

Mechanical Heart Assist Device/ Ventricular Assist Device - Diagnosis

When do we need a VAD?

The use of the device falls into 3 main categories:

Bridge to transplant - Patients who are already on the heart transplant list may deteriorate during their long wait, due to the scarcity of donor organs For these patients, the heart pump assists their failing heart, supporting them until a donor heart becomes available.
Bridge to recovery - There are conditions (infections, alcohol abuse) that can lead to severe heart failure requiring placement of a VAD. In some instances, the heart recovers enough of its normal function after resting for some time and the device can be removed.
Destination therapy - Also known as long-term or chronic therapy, destination therapy is used for patients who need a new heart, but are not eligible for transplant because of their advanced age or another disease or condition, such as cancer, which makes them unsuitable for heart transplant.

VADs cannot be used for people with serious renal (kidney), liver or lung disease, blood clotting disorders, or infections that do not respond to antibiotics.

Mechanical Heart Assist Device/ Ventricular Assist Device - Preparing for surgery

Cardiothoracic Surgery,

Coronary Artery Disease / Coronary Heart Disease,

Article contributed by Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, National Heart Centre Singapore

The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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