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Patient Stories

For advanced heart failure patients, the challenges of daily activities can outweigh the pleasures of life. Ventricular assist devices can offer new hope for patients who have exhausted other therapies. After VAD implantation, many patients return to daily life with restored blood flow and more energy. The small, streamlined design of modern VADs allows most patients to move around with few limits on life—which many patients report living to the fullest.*


Age:
30-39
Location:
Implanted:
Indication:
Bridge-to-transplant
Hobbies:
Walking, hiking, playing with children, gardening, reading, fiber art

I was diagnosed in 1999 with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, likely postpartum. I responded well to drug therapy for many years but after the birth of my third child in 2010 (an unplanned and ve...


Read Andrea's Full Story

asset
Age:
40-49
Location:
Implanted:
Indication:
Bridge-to-transplant
Hobbies:

On 10/7/11, my HeartMate II device was successfully implanted. After recovery from the surgery and learning to live with the device, I have been able to return to most of the regular activities I h...


Read Christopher's Full Story

asset
Age:
65-69
Location:
Implanted:
Indication:
Bridge-to-transplant
Hobbies:

I received my LVAD (HeartMate II) from Strong Memorial Hospital on June 3, 2011.  We are approaching two years, and I am traveling, going to the gym, golfing, etc. as I used to do in the past....


Read Stephen's Full Story

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*Please consult the Instructions for Use for indication for use, contraindications, warnings, and adverse events. Individual experiences, symptoms, situations, and circumstances may vary. Please consult your physician or qualified health provider regarding your condition and appropriate medical treatment.

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