Ventricular Assist Devices

Cardiac assist devices, also called ventricular assist devices, or VAD’s, help support the patient’s heart function and to pump blood throughout the body.
 
A VAD may be recommended for some of the following reasons:
 

• During and/or after heart surgery, while your heart is recovering and regaining strength
• For serious heart failure, ventricular arrhythmia or cardiogenic shock
• To stabilize the heart in order for the treatment team to develop a care plan

 
Additional support is available for lung function, if needed. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can be given in addition to VAD support. Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) helps your heart pump blood throughout your body and puts additional oxygen into your blood.