About VAD Therapy
Restoring Hope with Mechanical Circulatory Support
Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) uses heart pumps called ventricular assist devices (VADs) to improve blood flow. VADs work with your heart instead of replacing it. For advanced heart failure patients awaiting a heart transplant, a VAD may provide enough blood flow to help the patient survive until a suitable donor heart is available. Other advanced heart failure patients do not qualify for a heart transplant due to other diseases or age. For these patients, long-term support with a VAD may provide a solution for their needs.
Many VAD patients live long enough to receive donor hearts. Some recover their heart function. With the restoration of blood flow, VAD patients reclaim their lifestyles which for many, may mean being able to do simple things once more: to shop, garden, and visit friends. Others are inspired to pursue lifelong dreams, such as traveling the world or learning to play a musical instrument.
Simply put, the story of MCS therapy is a very human story of restoring function to failing hearts, and of restoring hope to people's lives.
FAQs About Considering a VAD
What is a VAD? How does it work?
A ventricular assist device (VAD) is a blood pump designed to help restore the circulation of blood flow to the body with mechanical circulatory support (MCS). It works to improve blood flow in concert with your heart- it does not replace your own heart.
Can a VAD keep me alive long enough to wait for a donor heart?
For certain patients, a VAD can be used as Bridge-to-Transplantation Therapy. That is, the VAD can help you regain the circulation of blood to improve physical conditioning while you wait for a heart transplant, improving long-term outcomes. Patients have been known to survive for more than two years with a VAD while waiting for a donor heart to become available.
Will my insurance company pay for my VAD?
Some VADs are approved for coverage by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS, www.cms.hhs.gov) and many private insurance plans in certain facilities. Please contact your insurance provider for more specific coverage information, as policies may vary.
Patient Education
Learn what to expect during and after VAD implantation and hear from patients who share their experiences.