Ventricular Assist Device Clinic

What to expect

You will initially be introduced to the VAD Coordinator when you are a patient in hospital. The VAD Coordinator along with medical staff will organise assessments, blood tests and other investigations, and provide you, your family and carers with education.

The VAD coordinator will book you into the VAD clinic when you are in hospital. This is where you will attend for ongoing appointments following the insertion of your VAD.

The VAD Coordinator and nurses will teach you about living with a VAD and how to operate your VAD system. Immediately following your VAD implant you will be required to attend the clinic at least weekly. As your health improves, these appointments become less frequent.

Importantly, at this clinic you can discuss any concerns you have with the VAD Coordinator or other health care professionals in the clinic.

When you come to clinic, it is important that you bring with you your VAD diary, as well as spare VAD equipment (such as batteries and controllers).

How to access this clinic

Referral from your GP

You need a referral letter from your GP or medical practitioner to access this service.

Your doctor will need to fax your referral letter to us. We will be in contact with you in clinically recommended times, depending on waiting list length. If there is no waiting list, you will receive an appointment booking letter or we will contact you to arrange a suitable time.

What to bring

Every time you come

• Medicare card
• Health Care Card and/or concession card (if you have one)
• Private health insurance card (if applicable/if you want to use it)
• Adverse drug alert card (if you have one)
• Previous X-ray films, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results or reports
• Medicines you need to take while you are here
• Medications list (or the boxes), including over-the-counter supplements (e.g. herbal supplements, vitamins)
• Glasses, hearing aids, or mobility aids, as needed

For a clinic appointment

• Your appointment letter
• Any special items listed on your letter
• TAC or WorkCover claim number (if relevant)

Clinic times

Clinic consultants

• Prof Silvana Marasco: Cardiothoracic Surgery & Transplantation
• A/Prof Hitesh Patel: Cardiology (Pacing and Heart Failure)
• Dr Trent Hartshorne: Cardiology
• Mr Adam Zimmet: Cardiothoracic Surgery & Transplantation