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Medical Treatments

Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD)

A Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) is a mechanical pump implanted in individuals with heart failure. This device helps pump blood from the left ventricle, the heart's lower left chamber, into the aorta and throughout the rest of the body. It is called a left ventricular assist device because it supports the function of the left ventricle. LVADs are typically used when the heart is unable to pump blood effectively on its own, particularly in patients with end-stage heart failure or those awaiting a heart transplant.

Signs & Symptoms

 Patients who may need an LVAD have severe heart failure and display symptoms such as:

  • Severe fatigue.
  • Shortness of breath (dyspnea), especially during physical activity.
  • Persistent cough or wheezing.
  • Swelling in the feet, ankles, or abdomen (edema).
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeats.
  • Difficulty in performing daily activities due to weakness.
  • Low blood pressure and poor circulation.
Causes

 LVADs are usually recommended in cases of severe heart failure, which can be caused by:

  • Coronary artery disease: Blocked arteries can restrict blood flow to the heart, leading to damage.
  • Heart attacks: A heart attack can cause permanent damage to heart muscle.
  • Cardiomyopathy: Diseases of the heart muscle make it harder for the heart to pump blood.
  • Hypertension: Prolonged high blood pressure can weaken the heart.
  • Congenital heart defects: Some people are born with defects in the heart structure.
  • Valvular heart disease: Malfunctioning heart valves can contribute to heart failure.
When to seek medical attention?

 Immediate medical attention is required if:

  • Persistent or worsening symptoms of heart failure are experienced.
  • There's difficulty in breathing while at rest.
  • Fainting or light-headedness occurs frequently.
  • Chest pain or a sensation of pressure in the chest arises.
  • Severe fluid retention or rapid weight gain due to fluid accumulation.
Diagnostics & Tests

 To assess whether a patient is suitable for an LVAD, doctors may conduct:

  • Echocardiogram (ECHO): To evaluate heart function and blood flow.
  • Cardiac catheterization: A test that examines how well the heart functions.
  • Chest X-ray: To check for fluid buildup or enlarged heart size.
  • Blood tests: To look for signs of kidney damage, electrolyte imbalances, or other issues.
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG): To measure the heart's electrical activity.
  • MRI or CT scans: To obtain detailed images of the heart and the surrounding blood vessels.
Do’s & Don’ts

 Do's:

  • Follow up regularly with your cardiologist.
  • Take medications exactly as prescribed (including anticoagulants to prevent clots).
  • Maintain good hygiene to avoid infections around the device site.
  • Stay active with moderate exercise, as advised by your doctor.
  • Be cautious with activities like swimming or bathing; protect the external power source.
  • Maintain a heart-healthy diet low in sodium and fats.

Don'ts:

  • Avoid lifting heavy objects or engaging in high-impact activities.
  • Don't get the controller or driveline wet (bathing must be done carefully).
  • Avoid situations that may expose you to infections.
  • Don't ignore warning signs like sudden dizziness, irregular heartbeats, or fever, which may indicate complications.

Frequently Asked Questions For Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD)

An LVAD can extend life for several years. Some patients use it as a bridge to a heart transplant, while others live with it as a long-term solution.

The LVAD is powered by external batteries connected through a cable. These batteries must be recharged daily and carefully managed.

Yes, with planning. You must carry spare batteries and a charger and ensure emergency medical care access.

Device malfunction is rare, but emergency procedures, including medical attention or replacement, may be required.

Yes, but it should be light to moderate exercise, as your doctor advises. Walking and light strength training can improve heart health and stamina.

Best Hospitals in Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD)

Explore All Hospitals in Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD)
Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, New Delhi – JCI-accredited multispecialty hospital offering world-class healthcare with cutting-edge infrastructure.
Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket

Press Enclave Road, Saket, New Delhi

Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali – trusted hospital near Delhi for global patients via VivaVel.com
Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali

Near Radisson Blu Hotel, Sector 1, Vaishali Ghaziabad, 201012 India

BLK-MAX Super Specialty Hospital, Delhi – State-of-the-art medical facility
BLK-MAX Super Specialty Hospital

Pusa Road, Radha Soami Satsang, Rajendra Place New Delhi, 110005 India

Accord Superspeciality Hospital, a leading healthcare facility in Faridabad, offering advanced treatments with modern infrastructure.
Accord Superspeciality Hospital

Budena Village, Sector 86, Faridabad, Haryana 121002, India

High-tech medical equipment at Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon, ensuring accurate diagnostics and advanced treatment solutions.
Artemis Hospital

Artemis Hospitals Sector 51, Gurugram 122001 Haryana, India

SHALBY Sanar International Hospital, Gurugram – trusted healthcare destination for global patients via VivaVel.com
SHALBY Sanar International Hospitals, Gurugram

Golf Course Rd, Parsvnath Exotica, DLF Phase 5, Sector 53, Gurugram, Haryana Gurgaon, 122022 India

Top Doctors in Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD)

Explore All Doctors in Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD)
Anil Saxena
  • Dr. Anil Saxena
  • Chairman Cardiology
  • Cardiologist
  • 35 Years Experience
  • Fortis Escorts Heart Institute

Dr. Anil Saxena is an Executive Director in the Department of Electrophysiology & Cardiac Pacing at Fortis Escorts Heart Institute. He is recognized for his exper...

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Kulbhushan Singh Dagar
  • Dr. Kulbhushan Singh Dagar
  • Principal Director, Chief Surgeon & Head...
  • Cardiologist
  • 30 Years Experience
  • Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket

Dr. Kulbhushan S. Dagar is a highly experienced cardiac surgeon with over 21 years in the field. For the past 15 years, he has specialized in caring for infants and c...

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(Col) C.P. Roy
  • Dr. (Col) C.P. Roy
  • Visiting Consultant
  • Cardiologist
  • 38 Years Experience
  • Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket

Dr. (Col.) C.P. Roy VSM is an accomplished heart specialist with over 30 years of experience in the Indian Armed Forces and leading medical institutions. He has held ...

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Ripen Gupta
  • Dr. Ripen Gupta
  • Principal Director & Unit Head - Cardiol...
  • Cardiologist
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket

Dr. Ripen Gupta is a highly respected cardiologist at Max Hospital in Saket, New Delhi. With over 25 years of experience in interventional cardiology, Dr. Gupta speci...

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Ganesh Kumar Mani
  • Dr. Ganesh Kumar Mani
  • Chairman, Cardiology
  • Cardiologist
  • 45 Years Experience
  • Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket

Dr. Ganesh Kumar Mani is a distinguished and highly experienced cardiac surgeon at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, New Delhi. Dr. Mani is one of India's mos...

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Rishi Gupta
  • Dr. Rishi Gupta
  • Chairman
  • Interventional Cardiologist
  • 30 Years Experience
  • Accord Superspeciality Hospital

Dr. Rishi Gupta is a renowned name in cardiology and is considered among the best cardiologists in Faridabad, India. He specializes in Angioplasty and coronary A...

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