Understanding LVAD

For patients suffering with the end-stage of congestive heart failure, treatment options may seem minimal, but Maimonides can help. We’re the only LVAD Program in Brooklyn and our goal is to provide you with a permanent treatment for heart failure.

LVAD is a battery-operated, mechanical pump-type device surgically implanted in patients with end-stage congestive heart failure. It helps maintain the pumping action of the left ventricle when it can no longer function effectively on its own.

The LVAD heart pump is a temporary but life-saving heart failure treatment for patients who are candidates for heart transplants but face an imminent risk of death until they receive their new hearts.

LVAD implantation is also an alternative for patients who suffer from severe, non-reversible heart failure but are not eligible for heart transplantation. For these patients, the LVAD serves as a permanent treatment for heart failure, and they will live with it for the rest of their lives.

How does the LVAD work?

• Contains a pump that generates enough flow to deliver blood from the left ventricle to the rest of the body
• Small silicone tube exiting the patient’s abdomen, connected to a controller that is worn on the belt

Pre-implant evaluation process

• Patient selection conducted by cardiologists/cardiothoracic surgeons to determine eligibility
• Pre-operative comprehensive screenings by the medical team
• Pre-operative discussion about the severity of congestive heart failure, positive outcomes, risks involved, post-discharge care management, and device limitations
• Pre-operative workup

LVAD procedure

Before the surgery, the patient may need to stay in the hospital for several days. LVAD surgery is an open-heart procedure, which usually takes between 4 and 6 hours. During the surgery, the patient will be connected to a ventilator to help them breathe. The surgeons place and ensure the LVAD implant is working properly. The patient may need to remain connected to the ventilator for several days after the surgery. After LVAD heart surgery, the patient will remain in the intensive care unit and be given fluids, nutrition, and medication through an IV until their heart surgeon feels comfortable transferring them to a hospital room for recovery.

Vincent put his trust in Maimonides

Our team gave Lynette a second chance

Our LVAD team is dedicated to you

The Maimonides LVAD Support Group Meeting is attended by over 50 patients, their families, and caretakers. Each month over lunch, patients share their success stories living with an LVAD and are joined by the LVAD clinical team, including the physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and social workers as they discuss medication management, medical management, and insurance matters.

Maimonides is the only hospital in Brooklyn with a LVAD Program, offering the most recent mechanical support devices to patients with end-stage heart failure. As the leading heart failure surgery experts in Brooklyn, our heart specialists will help you choose the best possible treatment options to achieve the best quality of life possible. Remember, we’re only a subway stop away.

Please call (718) 283-5243 to speak with an LVAD coordinator