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ADVANCED HEART FAILURE
VENTRICULAR ASSIST DEVICE PROGRAM
The ventricular assist device ( VAD ) program at Baylor University Medical Center offers various mechanical circulatory devices for both acute cardiogenic shock and advanced chronic heart failure . For patients in cardiogenic shock , temporary VADs can help circulate blood throughout the body while supporting the struggling heart . For other patients with Stage D advanced chronic heart failure , durable left ventricular assist devices ( LVADs ) can be surgically implanted as a destination therapy ( indefinite support ) or as a bridgeto-transplantation in certain clinical situations .
Shelley Hall , MD , FACC , FHFSA , FAST , chief of transplant cardiology , mechanical circulatory support and heart failure at Baylor University Medical Center is the first female president of the Texas Chapter of the American College of Cardiology .
To extend the continuum of care on the downtown Dallas campus , Baylor Scott & White Heart and Vascular Hospital – Dallas collaborates closely with Baylor University Medical Center ’ s cardiovascular programs . As such , the following data from advanced heart failure , cardiac surgery , heart transplantation , and thoracic surgery is provided for fiscal year 2022 .
The advanced heart failure team is dedicated to the treatment of heart failure through its level of care and commitment to research and innovation . The multidisciplinary team includes transplant cardiologists and surgeons on the medical staff , certified heart failure nurses , transplant coordinators , transplant pharmacists , dietitians , social workers , and others . Additionally , the program offers a full spectrum of therapeutic options for heart failure patients , including post-treatment care such as cardiac rehabilitation ; patient education focused on medication , lifestyle adjustments and nutrition ; and patient and family support groups .
In its 2022-2023 “ America ’ s Best Hospitals ” list , U . S . News & World Report recognized Baylor University Medical Center and Baylor Scott & White Heart and Vascular Hospital by rating the hospitals as High Performing in Heart Failure . Hospitals that earned a high performing designation were significantly better than the national average .
Through the VAD program at Baylor Dallas , patients may have an opportunity to participate in clinical trials . The advanced heart failure team is focused on conducting innovative research which expands the pool of available devices to the sickest patients . Through years of participating in the clinical trial , Baylor University Medical Center is the only site in the area to offer the FDA-approved total artificial heart .
Baylor University Medical Center was the nation ’ s first hospital to receive the Gold Seal of Approval™ from The Joint Commission for the Ventricular Assist Device program , an accreditation that is renewed every two years . Baylor Dallas once again received the Gold Seal of Approval™ in 2021 . The program has been certified by The Joint Commission since 2009 .

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VAD implantations since program ’ s inception
BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE ADVANCED HEART FAILURE CLINIC
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic , located on the campus of Baylor University Medical Center , offers comprehensive services for patients with refractory symptoms . Advanced heart failure cardiologists and transplant surgeons on the medical staff at Baylor University Medical Center provide an array of services , including the medical management of progressive symptoms , medication optimization , mechanical circulatory support device evaluation and placement , access to clinical trials , and heart transplantation .
Members of the hospital transplantation team evaluate patients by traveling to outreach clinics in Abilene , Amarillo , Longview , Lubbock , Midland- Odessa , and new in CY22 , Shreveport , LA .
For more information on the Advanced Heart Failure program or to refer a patient : 1.844.634.0028 .