What is an LVAD? A Beginner's Guide for Patients & Families

LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device) is an implant that assists with the normal pumping action of the heart to supply blood. LVAD is usually implanted in patients who have terminal heart disease and are waiting for a major heart surgery.

When the heart is not functioning properly, you may struggle to perform even the simplest tasks and experience shortness of breath, chest pain, irregular rhythm of the heart, and restlessness. But thanks to the innovative technology that has come a long way. An LVAD device is no less than a wonder that has given new life to the patients.

LVADs offer improved survival and quality of life for many patients and are used as a bridge to transplant or as a long-term therapy for those who are not eligible for a heart transplant.

You may feel a prominent difference in your symptoms. LVAD improves the blood supply and keeps your organs oxygenated, and your quality of life significantly improves. If your doctor has recommended that you get an LVAD, or you are looking for a second opinion, this guide will explain how it works, what to expect, and how it could help you live more fully.

What is an LVAD?

Ever thought what will happen if your heart does not supply enough blood to your body? Unfortunately, it is not uncommon, and many people experience heart failure symptoms. So, what's next? That’s when your doctor will decide that you may need a Left Ventricular Heart Device.

An LVAD, or Left Ventricular Assist Device, is a mechanical pump that helps the heart work more efficiently and move blood from the lower chamber of the heart to the rest of your body. The lower chambers of the heart are known as ventricles, and when the device is implanted in the left ventricle, it is known as a left ventricular assistive device. It is also known as a mechanical circulatory support device as it helps with the circulation of blood.

Normally, your heart pumps nutrient-rich blood to the main artery, the aorta, from where it supplies blood to every part of the body. But when the heart is too weak to keep up, you will feel tired and experience breathlessness. What can give your heart the support it needs? The Left Ventricular Assist Device.

What are the indications of LVAD Implant Surgery?

LVADs help patients with severe heart failure live longer and feel better. However, general cardiologists are learning who might need an LVAD and how to care for them, and the LVAD device benefits and risks. Here are some of the conditions in which your doctor will recommend that you go for LVAD implant surgery. You need LVAD implant surgery if:

You have end-stage heart failure
You need some support for transplantation
You cannot go for a heart transplantation
You need it as destination therapy
You need some support in the recovery process
You need some time to make an informed decision
You have severe cardiogenic shock
You are on medications for heart failure
You are suffering from acute decompensated heart failure
You have a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of less than 25%.

How does left ventricular assist device work?

So, now you know what an LVAD is. But, do you know how exactly this device works? For that, you need to understand all of its components: the LVAD heart pump for heart failure, the driveline or wire, the controller, and batteries. An LVAD continuously supplies blood by the mechanical pump implanted inside your heart, which is powered by a battery-operated system. The actual pump is implanted in the left ventricle and is connected by a cable or a driveline to a controller that operates the pump inside and batteries that are the power source.

Now you might be wondering: Where do you put all the external equipment? That is why we need an LVAD gear. The specially designed LVAD vests and shirts help you carry the controller and batteries safely and comfortably, without limiting your movement or quality of life. After all, living with an LVAD should not feel like a burden anymore.

What to expect from LVAD Implantation?

Your doctor will assess your condition and will categorize you under the specific type of patient who needs an LVAD. Either you will need it while waiting for your heart transplant surgery scheduled 6 months from now, or you may require an LVAD implant as a permanent treatment.

However, life after LVAD Implantation is completely different as compared to living without it. Let’s discuss what an LVAD is, the whole procedure, and what you should expect from it.

With the rising number of patients with an LVAD, there is a need for emergency teams and healthcare professionals to understand how to care for patients from the hospital to home.

Preparation for the Procedure:

After the decision of LVAD implantation, your doctor will perform a number of tests to assess your general health. These tests help to prepare for additional procedures in case you have other medical problems, such as diabetes, hypertension, etc. You can also ask about your queries regarding the procedure before actually going for the procedure. It is best to talk with your doctor in detail before the surgery to understand its risks, specific instructions, and aftercare.

Diagnostic tests:

Various diagnostic tests are performed in the preparation phase, such as X-ray, ECG, Blood tests, blood sugar levels, renal tests, and Heart catheterization. These tests are usually performed to assess and stabilize your condition so that you can go for LVAD implantation surgery safely.

Avoiding meals:

You may need to skip your meal several hours before the surgery, and you may also not be allowed to take fluids.

Medications:

If you are already taking medications or have some type of allergy to specific medications, you need to tell your doctor about it to avoid any complications during or after the procedure.

Procedure:

The procedure usually takes five to seven hours and consists of the following steps:

Anesthesia & Surgical Incision:

Your doctor will use general anesthesia before starting the procedure to make you unconscious, and then he will perform an incision according to a suitable approach and experience.

Cardiopulmonary bypass:

A cardiopulmonary bypass machine is used to take over the functioning of the heart and lungs while performing the procedure. It allows your doctor to operate your heart more efficiently.

LVAD Implantation:

After that, your doctor will implant an LVAD pump on the left ventricle and then place a driveline to connect the pump inside to the battery and control system outside.

Assessment of the device:

After completing the whole procedure, your doctor will activate the LVAD pump so that it can be assessed before closing the incision and making surgical sutures.

Post-operative Phase:

The recovery time after an LVAD implantation surgery depends on the general health of the patient, the type of approach used by the doctor, and the cardiac rehabilitation. Usually, it may require 8 to 12 weeks for proper recovery.

Hospital Stay:

You may need to spend some days in the hospital, but the number of days in total depends on your response to a newly placed device and your recovery.

Antibiotics and Anti-coagulants:

After the procedure, you may need antibiotics to prevent infection and blood-thinning medications to prevent blood clotting and to reduce the workload of the heart initially.

LVAD Device Management and Maintenance

We understand that getting an LVAD is a big change for you, as you learn to live with it every single day. Ever thought about how would be you routine after the surgery?

You need to follow proper instructions and take care of device maintenance and monitoring, as described by LVAD manufacturers. You should know about battery levels, monitor system controller readings, and make sure that the driveline site is clean and infection-free.

And what about when you are going out? You still need to carry your controller, batteries, and backup power. Yes, every time. That seems to be frustrating, but here is the good news: you don’t have to compromise on your comfort for device safety.

Need real support 24/7? That’s when LVADGear offers a complete range of premium clothing and accessories specifically designed to make life easier and more encouraging.

From LVAD shirts and tank tops that offer discreet access and all-day comfort, to short belts that keep your controller secure during daily activities, every item is thoughtfully crafted.

Our shoulder bags provide safe, stylish storage on the go, while sleeping belts ensure peace of mind through the night. Top it all off with smart accessories that help you stay organized and confident, because managing your LVAD should feel just as strong and bold as you are.

Of course, there is more to it than gear. Regular follow-ups are an essential part of the post-operative phase in which your doctor closely monitors the device, your symptoms, and complications if they occur. You also need to avoid high-impact physical activities like sports and modify your sleep style, as you will not be able to sleep on your stomach.

With support, education, and self-care, many LVAD recipients can return to work, travel, and enjoy a more active life. Emotional support and counseling also play a key role in adapting to life with an LVAD.

Possible Complications and Risks of LVAD Implants:

Although medical advancement and innovations have reduced the chances of complications after LVAD, there are possibilities that the following may occur:

Infection (especially driveline infection)
Bleeding
Clot formation
Brain hemorrhage
Pump thrombosis
Right heart failure
Hemolysis
Arrhythmias

Device malfunction
Kidney dysfunction
Bleeding

Conclusion:

LVAD implantation can be a difficult decision to make, but with all the knowledge about the device, its maintenance, and adaptation, you can live a good quality of life. So if you're facing this decision, know this: you are not just choosing a treatment, you are choosing a second chance at life, with strength and hope by your side. Worried about the device care? LVADGear offers peace of mind by keeping your device protected all the time and allowing you to move freely.

FAQs:

What to avoid with an LVAD?

Patients with LVAD should not take a bath at the initial recovery phase or submerge themselves completely in water, like a swimming pool. Also, try to avoid participating in contact sports immediately after the complete surgery.

What are the most common complications after LVAD implantation?

Common complications patients experience after LVAD implant surgery may include infection, blood clot formation, bleeding, and device failure.

How should I sleep with an LVAD?

Patients with LVAD should sleep on their back or side and never on their stomach. Use an LVAD sleeping belt during sleep to prevent tugging on the driveline.