Questions and Answers from the Cleveland Clinic
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/heart/disorders/heartfailure/lvad_devices.aspx
Who is eligible to receive a VAD?
A VAD is a treatment option for certain patients with end-stage heart failure. Your doctor will determine if a VAD is an appropriate treatment for you, based on your medical condition, symptoms, age, body size and presence of other medical conditions.
What are the risks of the VAD implantation procedure?
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks to the VAD implantation procedure. Your doctor will talk with you about the specific risks and potential benefits of this procedure. Some of the possible risks include bleeding, development of blood clots, respiratory failure, kidney failure, stroke, infection and device failure. Special precautions are taken to decrease these risks.
There may be other possible risks. When you meet with your doctor, please ask questions to make sure you understand why the procedure is recommended and the potential risks of the procedure.
How long can I be supported with a VAD?
The amount of time you can receive support from a VAD is variable, depending on the type of system you receive, whether the VAD was implanted for bridge-to-transplant or destination therapy, and your medical condition.
The average support duration for bridge-to-transplant applications varies, since the time needed to wait for transplant varies.
How will I know how to care for my VAD?
To enhance quality of life, all patients with a VAD must carefully follow the guidelines provided by their health care team.
After the implantation procedure, a detailed education program is provided to you and your caregivers to ensure safety and proper use of the device. You’ll learn how to manage the device and trouble-shoot potential emergency situations.
You’ll be required to demonstrate your knowledge about the device before you are discharged from the hospital. You’ll also need to demonstrate independence with self-care activities before you are discharged.
You will learn about activity guidelines, medications, diet and when to call the doctor.You will receive information about how to page the health care team when necessary. A medical team member is always available to answer your questions, 24 hours a day.