Conditions Category: LVADS

My tips as a person whose had one

“When I first got heart failure, I had never heard of this type of technology. It was utterly foreign to me. I can’t lie and say I was enthusiastic about the idea. However, when I asked my medical team, to show me how it worked, this helped ’. Don’t be afraid to ask questions it’s essential, […]

August 4, 2022

Living with an LVAD?

It’s a significant change and adjustment. The benefits you will notice is having much more energy and being able to tackle things like stairs much more comfortably. After a while, many people find they can return to work and live a relativity healthy life. You will need to carry the controller, batteries and spares with […]

August 4, 2022

What’s the surgery like?

Having an LVAD fitted is a significant operation that consists of 4-6hrs of open heart surgery under general anaesthetic.  Once the surgery has finished you will be taken to the Intensive Care Unit. You will be kept asleep for a few days to recover. Once you have been woken up you will stay in intensive […]

August 4, 2022

How does an LVAD work?

LVAD technology is amazing. There are different models used but they all produce the same outcomes. Simply put, it’s like a ‘turbo charger’ for the heart. It’s a device that connects to the heart via the bottom of the left ventricle and the aorta. Blood flows from the ventricle into the ‘pump’ which then powers […]

August 4, 2022

Why would you be recommended an LVAD?

If a medical professional has recommended you need an LVAD it means your heart cannot not sufficiently pump blood around the body anymore. In the UK the main use of LVAD’s is as a ‘bridge to transplant’. It allows people with end stage heart failure to have a good standard of health while waiting for […]

August 4, 2022

What is an LVAD

LVAD stands for Left Ventricular Assist Device. It is an implanted device that works to supports your heart. A LVAD does not replace your heart but works with it to pump more blood around the body with less effort.

August 4, 2022