LVAD Types Explained: HeartMate III vs. HeartWare

An LVAD is a device that you may have concerns about because your doctor has recommended you to go for LVAD implantation. Although your doctor will assess your condition before performing an LVAD implant surgery. But to make an informed decision, you first need to understand the device, its types, its indications, how and when it works, its advantages, and its disadvantages. So, let’s discuss LVAD types in detail to help you make an informed decision.

LVAD Overview:

An LVAD, or Left Ventricular Assistive Device, is a mechanical support device that helps the weakened heart pump blood and supply the oxygen-rich blood to the whole body. If you have some type of heart condition where your heart is no longer able to provide enough blood to the body, then you may be a candidate for LVAD implantation.

LVAD is usually indicated in three types of conditions, which are described below:

Destination Therapy:

Destination therapy can be an option for you if your general health is poor and is no longer suitable for a major surgery like a Heart Transplant. In such cases, you need an LVAD as a permanent solution. LVAD technology and medical innovations also support this treatment as they have improved the quality of life of patients in recent years.

Bridge to Transplant:

You come under this category if you need an LVAD to support your heart until you can find a matching heart donor. It may take several months to even years, so for that time period, you may need a temporary treatment, which is LVAD implantation surgery.

Bridge to Recovery:

In some cases, acute heart failure occurs, which may require some time to recover. Until this type of heart gains its strength back, assistance from LVAD is used so that the heart can rest for a while. But this bridge to recovery is not for you if you have a terminal heart disease that cannot go into reversible damage.

Different LVAD types:

Some of the different LVAD types are as follows:

·         HeartWare Left Ventricular Assist Devices (HVAD)

·         Heartmate II Left Ventricular Assistive Device

·         Heartmate III Left Ventricular Assistive Device

HeartWare Left Ventricular Assist Devices (HVAD):

HeartWare is a type of LVAD that provides continuous and centrifugal flow to the pumping action of the heart. This pump spins at about 2500 to 3000 revolutions per minute and provides a blood supply with a rate of 10 liters per minute. It is used for patients with end-stage heart disease. However, this type of device is no longer available in the market due to safety concerns. But you may need such a type of device for revision surgery if you have this device implanted in your heart before discontinuation.

Advantages:  

·         It is compact, and your surgeon may not need an abdominal pump pouch

·         It requires small incisions during surgery, so it needs a short time for complete recovery.

·         It is suitable for both destination therapy and bridge to transplant.

Disadvantages:

·         Such types of devices are associated with an increased risk of brain hemorrhage

·          The pumping action also increases the risk of clot formation

Heartmate II Left Ventricular Assistive Device:

Heartmate 2 is another type of device that provides an axial flow of blood at high speed with no pulsatile action. This device is implanted in the abdominal area and is attached to the flow system in the heart. It is the smallest type of LVAD, so it can be used for a variety of patients.

Advantages:

·         It is widely used in clinical settings as it is one of the most reliable and durable.

·         Suitable for both children and adults

·         It is suitable for both short-term and long-term goals.

Disadvantages:

·         This device is more prone to mechanical wear

·         It is also associated with a higher risk of blood clot formation

·         You may face difficulty in measuring pulse rate or blood pressure

·         You may have to go for a risk of bleeding

Heartmate III Left Ventricular Assistive Device:

Heartmate 3 LVAD is a fully magnetic device that provides a centrifugal flow of blood with a pulsatile action and a minimal amount of friction. It consists of a control system that constantly monitors the functioning of the implanted LVAD and lets you know about alarming situations. It is implanted in the chest cavity and allows greater perfusion of blood throughout the body.

Advantages:

·         It minimizes the chances of blood clots and brain hemorrhage

·         Pulse technology improves blood flow and vascular health

·         Highly recommended for short-term therapy

Disadvantages:

·         This device is not suitable for the pediatric population as it is of a large size.

·         The device can be costly compared to other devices

·         Need larger incisions to implant surgically

What is the difference between HeartMate III and HeartWare?

HeartMate 3 and HeartWare HVAD are both LVAD types used to help patients with severe heart failure, but they have some key differences. HeartMate III uses a newer technology with a fully magnetically ascended pump, which means there is no friction inside the device. A Very crucial thing is to carry the lvad devices and trust us this is only Possible with best Support. LVAD Gear is serving the patients with premium and top Quality clothing for lvad patients. A complete Range of LVAD T shirts, tank tops, shorts, belts, bags and accessories. This reduces the risk of carrying the devices and specially about devices it really protects a person from blood clots and strokes. It also creates an artificial pulse, which is better for blood flow.

In contrast, HeartWare is smaller and easier to implant, but it has been associated with higher risks of stroke and was taken off the market in many countries due to safety concerns.

HeartMate III or HeartWare: Which is good?

According to the study conducted on both HeartMate and HeartWare surgical outcomes, in 2024, patients who received the HeartMate III were generally in better condition before surgery, and they were less likely to need ventilator support. However, initially, extra stress on the right side of the heart was less common with the HeartMate III as compared to the HeartWare device. People with the HeartMate III had fewer serious strokes later on. In short, while both devices worked well overall, the HeartMate III showed some safety advantages after surgery, so HeartMate 3 is now the preferred option.  

Conclusion:

LVAD types are of different generations and offer different advantages and disadvantages, but your healthcare provider will choose the best type according to your suitability, general health, and cost of the treatment.