Facing Advanced Heart Failure
In the face of advanced heart failure, the left ventricular assist device (LVAD) can offer new hope. This incredible device can correct insufficient blood flow, improving organ function, quality of life and length of life. In fact, thousands of people around the world with LVADs continue living active, productive lives in the face of heart failure.
The Baptist Health Heart Failure & Transplant Institute offers expertise and years of experience in left ventricular assist device surgery. In 1999, we were the first in Arkansas to implant an LVAD and have since implanted more than 625 of these life-extending devices. We continue to pioneer LVAD technology through clinical trials.
Baptist Health is here to help you live your best life with heart failure, guiding you through the journey with personalized, comprehensive care. If the time comes when medications and lifestyle changes are no longer enough, left ventricular assist device surgery can provide relief.
What is a Left Ventricular Assist Device?
You might be wondering, what is a left ventricular assist device? An LVAD is an implantable mechanical pump designed to help the heart’s left ventricle pump blood to the body. Chances are, you’ve encountered an LVAD patient in public, as the hardware is often worn underneath street clothes in daily life.
When your heart is weak, the LVAD steps in to take over the work of the left ventricle, which can help reduce symptoms and extend lifespan. For patients who can no longer respond to medication, LVADs allow them to live active and productive lives.
Following left ventricular assist device surgery, patients must be connected to their LVAD at all times. The device consists of a battery-operated pump attached to the heart’s left ventricle, and a power cord that runs from the pump to the outside of the body, connected to the LVAD’s control system and battery. The hardware is usually worn in a pouch or strap vest and fortunately, these devices are getting smaller and smaller as technology advances.
After implanting the first LVAD in Arkansas in 1999, The Baptist Health Heart Failure & Transplant Institute remains intimately involved with LVAD advancements, utilizing the latest technology and helping lead clinical trials to offer our patients the highest quality care.
Why Would Someone Need LVAD Surgery?
Unfortunately, heart failure is a chronic, incurable disease that worsens over time. It is generally treated with lifestyle changes and medications in the early stages. However, once heart failure becomes more advanced and medical therapies are no longer working, left ventricular assist device surgery may be the best option.
Left ventricular assist device surgery has become a more common and popular option over time, with more than 625 implantations performed at Baptist Health since 1999. Studies show that more than 2,500 people with heart failure in the United States receive a left ventricular assist device each year. After LVAD surgery, patients experience benefits to their quality of life, including:
- Better breathing
- Better sleep
- More energy
- The ability to partake in daily activities, take care of themselves independently and enjoy time with their friends and family
The LVAD Surgery Process
At this point, you may understand how an LVAD works, but you might still be wondering: What is an LVAD procedure?
The Surgery
Left ventricular assist device surgery is an open-heart surgery performed with the patient under general anesthesia, on a ventilator and on a heart-lung bypass machine. The surgery lasts several hours in the hospital. During surgery, the LVAD pump is implanted in the heart and restores normal bodily blood flow.
The Recovery
LVAD surgery patients remain in intensive care for a few days. Most patients stay in the hospital or a rehabilitation facility for another one to three weeks. Following surgery at the Baptist Health Heart Failure & Transplant Institute, we will perform tests to ensure the device is tuned to the patient’s body and to teach the patient everything about their new LVAD. After left ventricular assist device surgery, a patient’s health drastically improves, but comes with new considerations, and we’re here to help understand every change and lifestyle adjustment.
Baptist Health offers comprehensive care and services following left ventricular assist device surgery. All the healthcare providers one could possibly need are essentially under one roof. Patients work with physical and occupational therapists to build strength, function and mobility; and dieticians to plan a heart-healthy diet. At Baptist Health, we help our patients and their families as they take on this challenge.
The Maintenance
After left ventricular assist device surgery, a patient’s LVAD journey is just beginning. Follow-up appointments slowly decrease over time as the patient recovers from the procedure and progressively regains function. Baptist Health will provide ongoing care, technology and patient optimization. We will manage the device and monitor heart function. We will provide 24/7 access to specialized LVAD RN coordinators. Throughout rehab, recovery and beyond, we encourage patients to reach out to us with any questions or concerns about their LVAD.
Baptist Health’s Expertise in LVAD Surgery
The Baptist Health Heart Failure and Transplant Institute has a long history of heart milestones. In 1989, we performed the state’s first heart transplant, and in 1999, we performed the state’s first left ventricular assist device surgery. Over 625 implants later, we remain a leading provider in left ventricular assist device surgery. In addition, Baptist Health participated in the clinical trial for the development of the HeartMate 3 and was one of the top four implant centers in the country for that clinical trial. The FDA approved the HeartMate 3 LVAD for destination therapy in late 2018.
In conclusion, Baptist Health is the only comprehensive heart failure program in Arkansas. We are leaders in left ventricular assist device surgery and getting patients back to a normal way of life.
Find a Specialist at Baptist Health
Arkansans have one of the leading LVAD centers in the US right in their own backyard, offering advanced left ventricular assist device surgery and every other advanced heart failure care option that is currently available.
The Baptist Health Heart Failure & Transplant Institute is where you can receive personalized care from heart failure specialists, with the support of an entire hospital staff at the ready. Our heart team is dedicated to improving the lives of the patients we serve.
To us, you are not just another patient, and we are not just your hospital. Instead, we consider ourselves to be your partner in your wellness journey. You can trust us to provide you with the best care possible, and we expect you to take good care of yourself in return.
Where are you in your heart failure? Are the medications and lifestyle changes no longer helping? Have you exhausted all other options? Do you want to regain control of your life? An LVAD could be right for you.
If you or a loved one may need left ventricular assist device surgery, take the next step with Baptist Health. Find a Specialist today, and learn more About the Institute.