All About Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) Implantation
The Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) is a remarkable technological advancement in cardiovascular medicine, offering hope to individuals suffering from severe heart failure. It's a mechanical pump designed to assist the heart in pumping blood, thereby alleviating the strain on the weakened cardiac muscles. This life-saving device has transformed the landscape of heart failure treatment, extending lives and improving the quality of life for many patients without limited options.
What are the indications for LVAD?
Your heart doctor might suggest a ventricular assist device (LVAD) in the following situations:
- If you're awaiting a heart donor for transplant.
- If you're ineligible for a heart transplant due to factors such as age or other considerations.
- If you're currently experiencing temporary heart failure.
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Who will treat for Ventricular Assist Device?
Implanting a VAD requires a multidisciplinary team of medical professionals, including cardiac surgeons, cardiologists , cardiac nurses, and specialized VAD coordinators. The process involves thorough evaluation and assessment to determine the patient's suitability for the device. Cardiologists usually initiate the process and refer patients to specialized heart failure centres for further evaluation.
For anyone seeking information about VADs or considering the procedure, it's advisable to contact a reputable heart failure centre or a cardiologist to begin the assessment process.
How to Prepare for Ventricular Assist Device?
Your healthcare team explains the procedure, discusses risks, addresses concerns, and reviews advance directives. Discuss hospital stay and home support needs with family. Here are some of the points to consider to get prepared for VAD Implantation:
- Pre-surgery Assessments: Review medical history, optimize therapy, conduct tests (blood, echocardiogram, etc.), assess fluid status and device compliance.
- Pre-surgery Tests: Blood tests, ECG , chest X-ray, and echocardiogram are done.
- Day Before Surgery: Ensure bowel movement, pack essentials, and refrain from eating/drinking after midnight.
- Day of Surgery: Continue fasting, undergo hair clipping, wash with antibacterial soap, and wear hospital gown, removing makeup, nail polish, and jewelry.
What Happens During Ventricular Assist Device Implantation?
VAD implantation is a major surgical procedure typically performed under general anesthesia. Here are the steps involved in the Ventricular Assist Device Implantation procedure:
- First, you receive local anesthesia, followed by general anesthesia to induce sleepiness.
- Next, a tube may be inserted into your throat to assist with breathing during surgery.
- The surgery takes place in a cardiothoracic room dedicated to heart and chest operations.
- The surgeon incises the breastbone to access the heart and exposes it.
- A heart-lung machine assumes the role of pumping the heart and enriches the blood with oxygen.
- Blood is diverted into a bypass machine to aid in its circulation.
- The surgeon halts the heart's function by administering a cold solution.
- The VAD (Ventricular Assist Device) is inserted and evaluated for functionality.
- Finally, the blood is returned to the heart via the machine.
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Recovery after Ventricular Assist Device Implantation
The recovery period post-VAD implantation can vary from patient to patient, but it generally involves a hospital stay of several weeks.
- Medical teams monitor progress, adjust settings, and administer medications.
- Physical therapy aids strength and mobility recovery.
- Training on VAD management, maintenance, and complication recognition is crucial for patients and caregivers.
Lifestyle Changes after Ventricular Assist Device
Life with a VAD brings about significant changes, but it also offers the possibility of a renewed lease on life. Patients are encouraged to maintain a heart-healthy diet, engage in light physical activity as their medical team recommends, and manage stress effectively. Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor the device's function and the patient's overall health.
Patients may need to make lifestyle adjustments, such as limiting certain physical activities, avoiding water-related activities that could damage the device, and incorporating daily device maintenance routines.
