The role of ventricular assist devices
A ventricular assist device (VAD) is an advanced therapy that helps your heart pump blood throughout your body. This device offers necessary support when your heart is unable to perform the way it should. For people living with advanced heart failure, a VAD can be a life-changing option to improve quality of life.
The Advanced Heart Failure & Transplant team at UK HealthCare uses VADs to offer the best care and leading-edge treatments for patients and families facing heart failure. Read more to learn about how VADs help people living with advanced heart failure.
When is a VAD considered?
A VAD may be recommended when medications and other therapies are no longer enough to manage advanced heart failure.
- Destination therapy (long-term support): For patients who cannot be considered for a heart transplant due to factors like age, existing medical conditions or personal preference. It allows for an improved quality of life with the ability to return to activities a person enjoys.
- Bridge to transplant (short-term support): For patients awaiting a donor heart, a VAD can serve as a temporary solution until transplant. In some cases, it may support the heart long enough for recovery, allowing the device to be removed.
In both cases, VADs can give patients more time, more options, and the chance to return to meaningful activities and life events. life.
The VAD implantation process
VAD implantation is a heart surgery performed under general anesthesia. The device is connected to your heart and blood vessels. A driveline exits the body and connects the device to a controller. After surgery, there is recovery time in the hospital to adjust and learn how to live with the VAD.
At UK HealthCare, we are deeply committed to research and innovation. By participating in clinical trials, we help advance VAD technology and refine best practices for patient care.
Life with a VAD
Patients with VADs are typically able to return to daily activities like exercise, hobbies, traveling and working.
Living with a VAD requires some lifestyle adjustments:
- Carrying and monitoring the external controller at all times
- Avoiding swimming and contact sports
- Protecting the driveline with weekly dressing changes and careful handling to reduce infection risk
Our team values education and support so that our patients can manage their own future. Our multidisciplinary team—including VAD nurse coordinators, physicians, pharmacists, social workers, and others—provides education, device monitoring, clinic follow-up, and support for medication and insurance needs. We also work closely with your local providers to ensure seamless, comprehensive care.
Looking forward for VADs
UK HealthCare supports all innovations and research for VADs. The future for VADs and the benefits they provide to patients is promising!
Advancements on the horizon include:
- Smaller, more comfortable devices
- Wireless power to devices, eliminating the need for external drivelines
- Continued improvement in safety and durability
At UK HealthCare, we are proud to be at the forefront of these innovations. Our expert team is here to support patients and families every step of the way, offering the most advanced heart failure treatments available.
Contact our team at 859-323-6497 to learn more about scheduling a consultation.
