Ventricular Assist Device | VAD | Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeons | CTVS Texas

A VAD, or ventricular assist device, is a battery-operated, mechanical pump surgically implanted into the chest to support the function of a weakened or failing heart. It can serve as a life-saving measure for those with advanced congestive heart failure when all other previous medical interventions have not worked.
A VAD is most often implemented for the following reasons:
- As a “bridge to recovery” where the VAD is implanted temporarily to rest the heart and give it time to recover
- As a “destination therapy,” or final therapy, meaning no other treatments are available and the VAD can support a weak heart for an extended amount of time, years even, in order to enhance the remaining quality of life
- As a “bridge to transplant” to support a patient while waiting for a heart transplant
Many patients are able to live up to ten years and beyond with a VAD depending on their circumstances.
The VAD is surgically attached to the left ventricle and aorta and helps pull blood from the heart and pumps it out to the body.