How the LVAD Heart Pump Supports Failing Hearts

Have you ever become amazed by your own body and how it functions? Most of all, a heart that pumps blood and delivers oxygen to every organ so they can do their job. And what if the heart just stops functioning properly? Here things can get serious, and you might notice swelling in your legs, feel out of breath even doing some of the simple tasks, and experience chest pain. Why does this happen? Well, it depends, and the cause behind this can vary from person to person. But it occurs due to heart disease or a condition you are born with.

In any of these cases, when the heart goes under failure, your doctor suggests the treatments, one of which is circulatory supportive devices. Ever heard about LVAD or a Left Ventricular Assistive Device? Well, it is implanted in your heart to compensate for its functional loss. These devices help the heart pump blood more efficiently and supply oxygen-rich blood to the organs in the body.

Let’s discuss how many types of devices or mechanical hearts can be used and how these devices work.

How the heart pump blood?

Before understanding the LVAD device, you must know how the normal heart pumps blood, so you will know how an artificial heart device can support its functioning.

Your heart has four chambers, two on the right and two on the left. Here is how the blood flow works: The blood low in oxygen and with waste enters the upper right chamber. After that, the blood moves to the lower right chamber, from where it enters the lungs to remove waste from the blood and make it oxygen-rich.

Next stop? The left side of the heart. The blood, which is oxygen-rich, now enters the upper left chamber and then the lower left chamber. Both sides of the heart work in sync and beat in rhythm to make sure that the blood pumps from one chamber to the other and then, after the oxygenation process, moves out of the heart to reach every organ of your body.

With every heartbeat, the heart muscles strongly contract and pump blood to the main artery, the aorta. From there, it travels to every organ and provides nutrients and oxygen to function properly. Without this blood flow, your organs do not function properly, and that opens the door to many other health issues.

When this blood flow becomes disturbed due to any reason, you might need assistance – a mechanical or artificial heart, which is used to replace or assist the weakened heart.

What are heart failure medical devices?

When the blood supply decreases or is almost diminished and cannot supply the body's needs, heart failure treatment is then used. In such conditions, medical devices are used to replace or simply assist the heart. An artificial heart pump for congestive heart failure can also be used.

Let’s get you through some of the key devices used to support the functioning of a declining heart:

Types of heart devices:

Today, various devices have been used to support your circulatory system and are used in modern medicine, one of which is VAD or Ventricular Assist Devices. Since every patient is unique, your doctor will choose the most suitable device based on your specific needs.

Here are different types of ventricular assist devices that your doctor may suggest to treat your symptoms:

RVAD devices:

RVAD is a Right Ventricular Assistive Device that is implanted on the right side of the heart. The right side of the heart pumps blood to the lungs for oxygenation. When it becomes inefficient due to some disease or after undergoing a surgical procedure, RVAD is used to assist the heart in pumping blood. RVADs are not commonly used as LVADs, but it is one of the life-saving circulatory devices and are used in patients with right-sided heart failure.

BiVAD devices:

In cases like severe heart failure and ischemic heart disease, both sides of the heart fail to pump blood. In such cases, BiVAD or Biventricular Assist Devices are used, which overtake both the right and left sides of the functioning of the heart. This device pumps blood to the lungs for oxygenation and to supply it to the whole body. Patients with terminal heart diseases, who need a heart transplant as a permanent treatment from a donor, can benefit from the device.

TAH devices:

TAH is a Total Artificial Heart. As the name indicates, TAH is a device that not only assists the heart in performing its function, but it also totally replaces the heart. When the heart undergoes irreversible damage that cannot be treated with medications or surgery, it may require this TAH device. It can also be a permanent treatment for patients who are not suitable for heart transplant surgery.

LVAD devices:

LVAD or Left Ventricular Assist Device is one of the commonly used type that assists the left side of the heart to pump blood. A patient with heart failure may need an LVAD for recovery or while waiting for their heart transplant. Many patients receive LVAD as a permanent treatment because they are not suitable for heart transplant surgery. However, understanding the LVAD device benefits and risks is crucial for patients with advanced heart failure.

How does the LVAD heart pump support failing hearts?

When you can’t even manage to do the simplest tasks in your daily routine, which is when a device like LVAD makes a difference. It is a life-supporting device that has been used for people with heart failure to live comfortably.

This guide will help you understand the device and how it is effective in supporting failing hearts. For you to understand this completely, you must know what LVAD components are and how this device works. Here is a beginner’s guide to LVAD:

What does LVAD consist of?

An LVAD or Left Ventricular Assist Device consists of the following components that work together to mimic the heart. LVAD has both internal components that are implanted into your heart and the external components that remain outside the body.

Internal Components of LVAD:

LVAD Pump: It is an implanted unit that is surgically placed inside the chest, into your heart. This pump connects the left ventricle to the aorta, which means it pumps blood from the heart to the artery that supplies blood to the whole body. This pump works all the time and supports your heart 24/7.

Driveline Cable: Driveline is a cable that connects the internal pump to the external components of LVAD. It is a thin cable that passes through the skin from the pump to the external controller. The driveline comes out of your skin from the abdominal area so that you can easily access the site for cleaning and monitoring. It is this cable that carries power and command between the pump and external components.

External Components of LVAD:

Controller: As the names indicate, this LVAD component controls the functioning and processes the LVAD pump. It also alerts the healthcare provider and patient in case of any issue or if the battery needs to be changed. You have to wear this small computer around your waist or shoulder to keep it near you all the time.

Power Source: Batteries or a power unit are the power source of the LVAD, from which the pump gains power to work. The LVAD batteries are available with a rechargeable feature and offer portability. In case of emergencies, you need to keep two power sources for safety purposes.

Each component of the LVAD is essential for the LVAD to operate reliably and help patients maintain blood circulation.

What is a heart pump, and how does it work?

A heart pump is another term used for LVAD. But how does an LVAD heart pump work to support your heart? The pump inside your heart spins at a very high speed and pumps out blood through a small tube from the ventricle. It then pushes that blood into the aorta, which is the main artery that carries oxygenated blood to the rest of the body.

You need to understand that LVAD does not replace the complete functioning of your heart, but it only assists your heart to perform its function. Your heart still beats on its own and is performing its function, and an LVAD boosts the flow of blood. This almost doubles the amount of circulation to your organs and tissues.

As a result, you start to feel that your symptoms of heart failure, such as fatigue and shortness of breath, are relieved and are no longer that severe. Many patients have experienced an improved quality of their life after getting an LVAD, as they are now able to walk longer distances, perform daily tasks more easily without any help, and experience less fatigue at the end of the day.

Types of LVAD:

There are three main types of LVADs in use today: pulsatile-flow, continuous-flow axial, and continuous-flow centrifugal pumps. Pulsatile-flow LVADs work like the natural heartbeat with pulsating movements. These types of LVADs are not commonly used due to their larger size and mechanical complexity.

Continuous flow axial pumps are of two types: HeartWare and HeartMate. These pumps use a spinning rotor to move blood in one direction and are more compact and durable. Most of the advanced types of devices are designed to reduce friction, which further reduces the risk of stroke. When comparing HeartMate III vs HeartWare, HeartWare has been discontinued due to safety concerns, and HeartMate III is a standard choice due to its safety and performance. Each type supports patients differently, based on their condition and lifestyle needs.

How can you keep your LVAD with you 24/7?

One of the most essential things you need to adjust after an LVAD is to keep your device protected and secured, while wearing it on your body all the time without any break or without giving it a rest. And by all the times means literally all the times and no exception, as it is important for both your safety and well-being.

The LVAD system requires you to carry its external components, like the controller and batteries, at all times, no matter if you are sleeping, walking, resting, travelling, or doing some physical activity. General clothing and traditional bags or belts are not made to carry your LVAD and are unsafe for long-term use. So what should be done?

Here, you need proper LVAD apparel that can do your work for you. Luckily, we have a gear for you that makes a big difference. LVADGear's specialized clothing and accessories are designed with patient needs in mind. The founder of LVADGear himself was an LVAD user and invented the LVAD clothing to help patients like him. Although he received a heart transplant and is living a healthy life, he has dedicated his business to people with LVAD.

LVADGear is a brand that provides you with LVAD-specific clothing, such as LVAD shirts, LVAD vests, and LVAD bags that make your everyday life easier and more comfortable. LVADGear lets you carry your device discreetly and comfortably day and night, as they have built-in pockets, secure straps, and breathable fabrics. They are specifically designed to accommodate your equipment and balance the weight equally. The LVAD apparel also prevents strain on your driveline and keeps you mobile and confident, at home or on the go.

Conclusion

An LVAD has been used as a life-changing device for people with advanced heart failure. Many devices, like RVAD or BiVAD, can also be used, depending on your condition. But for many people, LVAD is a vital option, especially while waiting for a transplant. Although LVAD improves your symptoms, do not overlook the importance of wearing the right LVAD gear to live comfortably.

FAQs

How long can you live with an LVAD?

A patient on LVAD can survive more than 5 years while waiting for a heart transplant. But it can vary from person to person according to their general health and age.

Does LVAD help to recover the heart failure completely?

In some cases, LVAD is used for patients to recover from a heart condition. But, LVAD itself does not cure the underlying cause and is used as a compensatory mechanical heart device to supply blood.