Page 428 - CHHA Binder 2.3.20

4/11/2019

How Does an LVAD Work?

 Like the heart, the LVAD is a pump.

 The LVAD is surgically implanted just
below the heart; performed via open heart
surgery

 One end is attached to the left ventricle -
the other end is attached to the aorta.

 A tube called the driveline passes from
the device through the skin, connecting
the pump to an external controller and
power source.

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Why LVADs?

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the
Western World
• About 5.7 million people in the United States have
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

• 250,000 are in the most advanced stage of CHF

• 500,000 new cases each year

• 50,000 deaths each year

• Only effective treatment for end stage CHF is a heart
transplant 6

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