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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) - A Patient's Guide
Introduction
A Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) is a mechanical pump that helps the heart pump blood to the rest of the body. It is used in patients with severe heart failure when the heart's left ventricle is too weak to function effectively. LVADs are primarily used as:
- Bridge to Transplant (BTT): For patients waiting for a heart transplant.
- Destination Therapy (DT): For patients who are not eligible for a transplant but need long-term support.
- Bridge to Recovery: In some cases, if heart function improves, the device may be removed.
How Does an LVAD Work?
The LVAD assists the left ventricle by continuously pumping oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the body. It consists of: - A pump (implanted in the chest) that removes blood from the left ventricle and pushes it into the aorta. - A driveline (cable) that connects to an external power source. - A controller and batteries, worn outside the body, managing the function of the LVAD.
Who Needs an LVAD?
LVADs are recommended for patients with advanced heart failure (NYHA Class III-IV) who experience: - Severe shortness of breath and fatigue. - Poor response to medication. - Repeated hospitalizations due to heart failure.
Risks and Considerations
Though LVADs improve quality of life, they also have potential risks, including: - Bleeding: Due to anticoagulation therapy. - Infections: Especially at the driveline site. - Blood Clots and Stroke: From changes in blood flow. - Pump Malfunctions: Requiring surgical correction.
Life with an LVAD
Patients with an LVAD must: - Regularly check the device function and battery levels. - Take medications, including blood thinners. - Follow a healthy diet and avoid infections. - Have regular check-ups with their cardiac team.
Conclusion
LVADs are life-saving devices for patients with severe heart failure, either as a bridge to heart transplant or as a permanent treatment. A multidisciplinary medical team is essential for successful management.
References
For more information, consult these clinical guidelines:
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association: 2023 Guide on Mechanical Circulatory Support
- https://www.jhltonline.org/article/S1053-2498(22)02248-3/fulltext
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000504
- https://www.jhltonline.org/article/S1053-2498(22)02211-2/fulltext
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001063
- https://cpr.heart.org/-/media/cpr-files/cpr-guidelines-files/highlights/hghlghts_2020_ecc_guidelines_english.pdf
2. European Society of Cardiology: Guidelines on Acute and Chronic Heart Failure (2021)
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Acute-and-Chronic-Heart-Failure
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/36/3599/6358045
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34447992/
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/44/37/3627/7246292
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ejhf.2333
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
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