A VAD takes over the pumping action of the heart. It is a mechanical device that is inserted during open heart surgery. There are three main types of VAD's, based on which chamber (or ventricle) of the heart they assist. The LVAD (left ventricular assist device) supports the left ventricle of the heart. The RVAD (right ventricular assist device) supports the right ventricle of the heart. The BiVAD (biventricular assist device) supports the both the left and right ventricles of the heart. Our surgeon will discuss with you which type of VAD is best for you, or they may have to decide this during the surgery. The type of VAD you receive will be based on your own unique needs and your surgeon will discuss this with you before surgery.

There are types of VAD support:

1. To support the heart muscle as it recovers from open heart surgery (called “bridge to recovery”). In this case, the VAD is removed after a few weeks to a few months when the heart is strong enough to pump on its own.
2. To support the heart muscle until a donor heart is located for a heart transplant (called “bridge to transplant”). In this case, the person remains in the hospital for a few days or weeks until he or she is more stable. Then, they are transferred to a hospital where a heart transplant can be performed.
3. To support heart muscle permanently (called “destination therapy”). In this case, the person is not able to have a heart transplant. After several weeks in the hospital, the person and his or her family learns to care for the VAD and can go home with it in place.