What is HeartWare LVAD?

What is HeartWare LVAD?

The HeartWare ventricular assist system is a new type of mechanical pump used to support heart function and blood flow in people with weak or failing hearts.

Who makes HeartWare LVAD?

Medtronic
Medtronic has acquired HeartWare International, Inc., developer of miniaturized left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) for the treatment of heart failure, for $1.1 billion. The deal provides a shot in the arm for the struggling HeartWare, and gives Medtronic a foothold in the promising LVAD market.

How successful is LVAD surgery?

The overall survival on LVAD support was 86.1%, 56.0%, and 30.9% at 30 days, 1 year, and 2 years after LVAD implantation, respectively, as shown in Figure 1. A total of 155 of 280 patients (55%) died during the mean support time of 10.4 months (range, 1 day to 3.6 years).

How do you care for someone with an LVAD?

Avoid chest compressions except as a last resort because they can dislodge the LVAD andcause irreparable damage. Give medications per advanced cardiac life support protocol. You can leave the pump running during defibrillation.

Can a LVAD be removed?

Traditionally, LVAD removal is performed through a midline sternotomy with complete extirpation of the device and outflow graft. Cardiopulmonary bypass without cardiac arrest is used to repair the apical defect either primarily or with patch closure.

Is LVAD open heart surgery?

Unlike a total artificial heart, the LVAD doesn’t replace the heart. It just helps it do its job. This can mean the difference between life and death for a person whose heart needs a rest after open-heart surgery or for people waiting for a heart transplant. LVADs are often called a “bridge to transplant.”

Is heart transplant better than LVAD?

VAD support offers improved quality of life and survival compared to medical therapy, and in some cases, 2-year outcomes comparable to heart transplant. There are now more LVAD implants performed per year than heart transplants.