Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs)

Medical Heart Failure Devices

What is VAD?

As one of the most respected heart failure programs in the world, the University of Chicago Medicine offers proven therapies including ventricular assist devices (VADs) — surgically implanted, portable pumps that mechanically support the heart. VADs, such as LVADs, are designed to extend the lives of people with heart failure. Now, with the evolution of VAD technology, our heart failure patients are living longer, fuller lives.

Ventricular Assist Device Types and Technology

With decades of experience in mechanical circulatory support, UChicago Medicine has earned international recognition for VAD expertise and research. As VAD technology has evolved, we have remained at the forefront of VAD research and implementation. Our surgeons were the first in the world to successfully implant one of the earliest VADs. We also participated in clinical trials to test and approve Thoratec and HeartWare devices and evaluate other new technology for use with heart failure patients. Today, we continue to test the next generation VADs in order to deliver the best treatment opportunities all our heart failure patients. Additionally, by offering the total artificial heart, we have the capability to treat patients who require complete cardiac support.

Our heart specialists are equipped to manage complex cases. We often treat high-risk patients — some who were not accepted for consideration at other institutions — and can readily identify which candidates would benefit from mechanical circulatory support. We specialize in all available FDA-approved VAD technologies and quickly implement the newest advancements in mechanical circulatory support. This enables us to provide the widest scope of VAD options to our patients, and to select the ideal device to maximize benefit for each patient.

Innovative VAD Therapies

Bridge To Transplant Therapy

Destination Therapy

As a destination therapy, a VAD can serve as a long-term treatment for patients who are not candidates for transplant, such as those with end-stage congestive heart failure. For these patients, the pumps are placed permanently to support the heart. With as many as 70 percent of VADs being used as destination therapy, it is becoming an increasingly more popular treatment for patients with advanced heart failure.

UChicago Medicine is certified by the Joint Commission to offer VAD treatment as a destination therapy. Our medical center earned this special designation after undergoing a rigorous review process of our high-quality, effective VAD care.

Heart & Lung Assistance

Frequently Asked Questions About Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs)

What is a ventricular assist device?

A ventricular assist device is a surgically implanted pump used to support heart function for patients with advanced heart failure. Depending on the patient's diagnosis, the VAD sustains the right or left ventricle. VADs "assist" the weakened part of the heart.

The HeartMate® II and HeartWare® are types of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). They work by pulling blood from the left ventricle (the lower part of the heart) and pushing it out the aorta, the blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

We are also one of only five sites in the nation that are using the BrioVAD™, which offers a novel, smaller LVAD with a longer battery life for advanced heart failure patients, including non-transplant candidates and smaller patients.

The LVAD includes a pump implanted in the upper part of the abdomen or directly next to the heart that is attached to a flexible cable that runs outside of the body and connects to a power source.

Other types of VADs, such as the Thoratec® PVAD (paracorporeal ventricular assist device), can work in the left, right, or both sides of the heart simultaneously.

There are two types of VADs that can be inserted without open-heart surgery: the TandemHeart™ and the Impella®. Each of these devices is implanted through catheters that are placed in the groin, and they are designed for temporary use. They can be implanted while waiting for cardiac recovery after an acute event, while awaiting cardiac transplantation or as a bridge to one of the durable LVADs (Heartmate® II or Heartware®). Patients must remain hospitalized while these pumps are in place.

Who is a candidate for a VAD?

For patients with advanced heart failure who meet specific criteria, VADs may offer a viable treatment strategy. Typically, to be an eligible candidate, a patient must fall under either Class III or Class IV as set by the New York Heart Association classifications.

Class III – Patients with cardiac disease resulting in significant limitation of physical activity. They are comfortable only at rest.
Class IV – Patients with cardiac disease resulting in an inability to carry on any physical activity without discomfort. Symptoms of heart failure or angina may be present even at rest.

VADs are not an appropriate option for some patients with heart failure. People who might not be good candidates for VADs include those with irreversible kidney failure, liver disease, lung disease or blood clotting disorders.

What are the risks?

VADs are an evolving medical technology. Newer models are smaller and longer lasting than those developed a decade ago.

However, implanting a VAD requires major surgery and hospitalization. Risks associated with the procedure include, bleeding, blood clots, stroke, infection and device malfunction.

Our expert team will discuss these risks with you and answer any questions you may have concerning the surgery.

What can I expect post surgery?

How long can a VAD support my heart?

Will I be able to go home? Will I need to modify behaviors after I go home?

Most patients will return home usually two to three weeks after surgery. Some devices enable patients to be discharged after surgery, while others require inpatient care. With a VAD, you will need to be connected to a power source at all times. In addition, care must be taken to avoid damaging the equipment or interfering with the wiring.

Because some of the mechanical elements of the VAD are located outside of your body, you will not be able to shower conventionally. Additionally, your physical activities will be limited. For example, you cannot go swimming or engage in contact sports, or other activities that could disengage the power. However, many patients carry on daily activities and enjoy the greater measure of freedom VADs provide in their lives.

Heart Failure Treatments

More Treatments

Atrial Fibrillation Surgery Bloodless Heart Surgery Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery Heart Transplant Valve Repair & Replacement Ventricular Reconstruction

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