LVAD Gear History – Choose LVAD Gear USA Made From the Heart

With all the amazing advances in technology, life has become much easier than ever before, but let’s accept that it also demands modifying our lifestyle accordingly so that we can get the most benefit out of it. If we don’t, things can get a bit messy. One such example of life-changing technology is the LVAD, or Left Ventricular Assist Device, which is designed to overtake the function of your weak heart for those who have been diagnosed with end-stage heart failure and for those waiting for a heart transplant. 

But here is a thing: while the LVAD helps the heart, it also introduces a challenge of carrying an LVAD device with you 24/7. How do you think it feels to be connected to a medical device without any pause or break? One such patient with LVAD, when exposed to such challenges, is when LVAD Gear’s history was made. 

Before getting into LVAD apparel, let’s discuss what an LVAD is and who might need one. 

What is an LVAD?

An LVAD, which is short for Left Ventricular Assist Device, is a mechanical pump that supports your heart function when it becomes weak, either due to a disease or due to heart failure. Your doctor implants an LVAD into your heart through a surgical procedure, as this little device can really make a big difference. 

LVAD improves the circulation of blood throughout the body, which is otherwise compromised. But do you know why someone gets an LVAD can vary? It could be the reason for any of the following:

Who Needs an LVAD? 

An LVAD is not for every heart patient, and your doctor may consider various individual and medical factors before deciding what is best for you. If your heart condition supports the LVAD treatment and you are not responding to any other option, like medications and procedures, then LVAD may be the right choice. LVADs are recommended for:

• Patients waiting for a heart transplant which is called a bridge to transplant.
• Patients who are not suitable for transplant but need long-term support – a destination therapy.
• People recovering from temporary heart conditions. In such cases, an LVAD acts as a bridge to recovery. 

Whatever the way, LVADs have helped many patients regain their strength, get back on their feet, and return to a more active, independent lifestyle. Want to learn more? Check out the Beginner's Guide to LVAD. 

Understand LVAD components:

Are you familiar with the LVAD device components? If not yet, let’s give you a quick intro. An LVAD device has both internal and external components. Both these components work together so that your heart functions normally. 

The internal component is the LVAD pump, which is surgically implanted in your chest. Then comes the external components: 

• A controller that manages and processes the LVAD pump.
• Batteries that power the device.
• And a driveline, a cable that exits your body and connects the internal pump to the controller.

The part that makes it tricky is not the LVAD pump, but the external components need to be secured, protected, and always accessible with no exceptions at all. Here, you need a proper LVAD gear. Without the LVAD-specific clothing, you may face some serious problems like accidental tugging, battery failure, or simply discomfort of holding the device while you move around. 

Having LVAD gear will surely change your life. It is not like your regular wear, as it’s a specifically designed apparel to support and safely hold all device components without any restriction of movement. 

You can stay comfortable and live more confidently every day with LVAD Gear. 

LVAD Gear History:

The idea behind LVAD Gear was born from compassion and necessity. Caregivers and patients were struggling to use regular clothing to keep their LVAD components. That is when Brent LeMay, a recipient of LVAD himself, saw the urgent need for functional, safe, and comfortable clothing made specifically for LVAD users. He understood the need for an apparel that can be a perfect solution to his problems and others like him. His professional mission was to help others live better with an LVAD. 

Brent LeMay: The Heart behind LVADGear

Brent Lemay was born with a genetic heart defect. Due to this reason, he had to face difficult situations, and one of these was the low quality of life. He had 3 episodes of a heart attack, due to which his heart became very weak. His doctor offered two options: rely on IV drugs with a limited life expectancy or get an LVAD implantation until he gets a new, healthy heart. Thankfully, Brent chose the second option. His doctor guides him about the components, including the pump, driveline, and batteries.

After surgery, Brent had to wear the device constantly to keep his heart going. That is exactly when it hit him – he needed a modified normal way to live with this device. Brent took action and started working to create LVAD-specific clothing that can also benefit him by holding and protecting the device safely. He knew that it was still possible to live without fearing the tugging of the driveline. It is when he started LVADGear. 

Brent stayed committed to his mission even after receiving a new heart through a transplant procedure, and he is dedicating his business to the people with LVADs. Brent Lemay, the founder and inventor of LVAD Gear, created the brand out of real-life experience to support patients with LVAD. He noticed the lack of practical clothing options for patients, and his personal experience inspired him to design garments that have all the safety, comfort, and style. His vision led to a full product line of LVAD apparel in the USA.

Why Do You Need LVAD Gear?

Living with an LVAD requires you to manage the sensitive external parts of the device daily, including the controller and batteries, which are connected to the internal pump via a driveline. Regular clothing does not provide sufficient support and protection, so you need LVAD gear. 

LVAD Gear is custom-designed to:

• Safely and securely carry your LVAD controller and batteries
• Conceal the driveline and reduce the risk of tugging
• Provide breathable and loose-fitting clothing 
• Help you move confidently and comfortably 
• Improves your life quality with proper LVAD apparel assistance

How Can You Move Your Body After Having an LVAD?

Wearing LVAD clothing is not just to support your devices, but to make you independent in your movements. Yes, you can perform physical activity according to the recommendations of your doctor and physical therapist. It is, in fact, a part of cardiac rehabilitation after LVAD surgery. Staying active improves circulation, lung function, and mental health. Here are some of the tips for you to move safely and freely:

• Start with light walking and increase your physical activity gradually as you gain strength.
• Use LVAD Gear to secure your equipment and prevent tugging during movement. 
• You should avoid contact sports, bending at the waist, or heavy lifting, especially during an early recovery phase.
• Perform stretching techniques to maintain your mobility and flexibility
• Always keep a backup with you, which means you should have an extra pair of batteries and controller with you all the time, and also during exercise.

How Can You Travel After Having an LVAD? Important Tips

Having an LVAD does not mean you have to stay home and be bound to your room for the rest of your life. But face the reality that you need a proper plan and the right gear. Yes, travelling with an LVAD is totally doable, no matter you are going for a road trip or flying across the country. Here is how to stay safe and prepared:

• Confirm your health status with your doctor to make sure you are cleared to travel.
• Never travel without an extra pack of batteries and a backup controller, no matter how short your trip is going to be.
• Wear LVAD Gear apparel like LVAD shirt or vest, LVAD bags to carry equipment securely
• Contact your airline in advance for security and battery clearance
• Bring a travel letter from your LVAD team explaining your device and medical needs
• Know where the nearest hospital or VAD center is located at your destination, just in case.
• You need to avoid magnetic fields because they can interfere with the functioning of your LVAD pump. Avoid screening devices with magnetic fields for security purposes.

Benefits of Having LVAD Gear

Living with an LVAD can be challenging, but the right clothing can make a huge difference. Here is a list of benefits you can have with LVAD-specific clothing or LVAD apparel: 

• You will have comfort with breathable, loose-fitting fabric.
• It has secured and concealed pathways to protect the driveline. 
• It helps to lower your back pain by balancing the weight of the batteries and the controller. 
• You can have freedom of walking, travelling, or sleeping without the constant fear of the device.
• You can maintain your style by choosing designs that also support your LVAD.
• It makes dressing, changing batteries, and monitoring easier, which also makes it caregiver-friendly.

Final Thoughts:

LVAD Gear was created to help people living with an LVAD. This special clothing is designed to keep their LVAD components safe and secure, making life easier and more comfortable. Whether you are moving through recovery, planning a trip, or just looking for everyday comfort, LVADGear provides both comfort and protection of the device. 

FAQs:

When was the first LVAD implanted?

The first ever LVAD was implanted in 1963, and was performed by Dr. Domingo and Stanley, but the LVAD that gave long-term benefits was implanted in 1988.

What is the life expectancy after an LVAD?

Life expectancy varies from patient to patient due to their unique medical condition. However, with proper recovery and maintenance of the device, life expectancy can be increased. 

Can you live 20 years with an LVAD?

Some patients in history have lived more than 15 years, but the average lifespan is much shorter than that. Yet, nothing is impossible if you follow proper instructions to maintain your lifestyle and LVAD device.