STEPUP Cardiovascular System: Ventricular Assist Device (VAD)

Question 1

What is a ventricular assist device (VAD)? Where are the system controller and battery located?

Answer 1

1) It is a pump implanted in the abdominal cavity with cannulation to the heart that may be used to support the left ventricle (LVAD), right ventricle (RVAD, or both ventricles [BiVAD])
2) The system controller and battery are worn externally

Question 2

What do these devices allow for? How long do patients live with these devices?

Answer 2

1) These devices may allow for a patient requiring continuous hospitalization to eventually be discharged with relatively straightforward outpatient follow-up
2) Patients may live with these devices for a year or more

Question 3

What is essential in treatment with use of these devices?

Answer 3

Lifelong anticoagulation with heparin or warfarin is essential without exceptions as these devices are very thrombogenic

Question 4

What are other indications for VADs?

Answer 4

VADs may also be used for hemodynamic support related to the acute treatment of a STEMI or other cardiac pathology (i.e., while recovering from a severe case of myocarditis)