Ventricular Assist Device (VAD)

A Ventricular Assist Device, or VAD as it is more commonly known, is a type of mechanical device that is used to provide circulatory support for patients whose heart is failing. It is only suitable currently for patients who will require heart transplant or whose heart problem is likely to be temporary and may recover.

Certain diseases of the heart can reduce its pumping strength. When the heart cannot pump blood as well as it should, fluids start to accumulate in the lungs and other parts of the body. Diseases that may cause heart failure include: viral illnesses, ischaemic disease (heart attacks), drug therapy used to treat cancer and congenital diseases. Sometimes heart failure occurs without a known cause (idiopathic heart disease).

A VAD takes over, or assists the pumping action of the patients own heart and can help keep a person alive until heart transplantation or until the recovery of their own heart. 

A VAD is not suitable for all patients.

There are several tests that need to be performed before the doctors can confirm your suitability for a VAD. These tests take time to organise and perform. More often than not patients will require a period of time spent in hospital whilst medical decisions are made. 

After receiving a VAD, you should be able to breathe easier and feel less tired. Blood flow to the kidneys, brain, liver, and other organs should improve. You should be able to back to doing most of the daily activities that you enjoy, with some restrictions.