Left ventricular assist device implant (LVAD)

A Left Ventricular Assist Device is a mechanical pump that is placed in the chest of a person to help a weakened heart pump blood to the body. LVADs do not replace the heart. They help in the flow of the blood. It can be used when a person is waiting for a heart transplant. LVADs are often called ‘bridge to transplant’. They are used for long-term in terminally ill people whose conditions make it possible for a heart transplant.

An LVAD restores the blood flow of a person whose heart has been weakened due to any heart disease. It also restores the symptoms such as being tired and short of breath. It may also maintain or improve other organs and let a person do some exercise. There may be some risks involved after the surgery like infection, heart failure, device failure, stroke, respiratory failure, kidney failure, etc. Some post-surgery care tips would be no smoking, no swimming, no jumping.