During left ventricular assist device placement, a
battery-operated machine is connected to the left ventricle and aorta of the
heart. The device collects oxygenated blood from the left ventricle and pumps
it into the aorta, delivering blood to the rest of the body. The battery pack
is located outside of the body.
Also
Known As:
- Heart device
placement
- Bridge to
transplant
- LVAD
Conditions
Treated with Left Ventricular Assist Device Placement:
Left ventricular assist device placement may be
performed in cases of congenital heart defect or congestive heart failure. The
procedure is often used for patients waiting for a heart transplant.
There are no comparable non-surgical alternatives to
left ventricular assist device placement. A heart transplant is a surgical
alternative.
Anesthesia
with Left Ventricular Assist Device Placement:
Left ventricular assist device placement is
performed under general anesthesia, which means that the patient is asleep and
completely unaware during the procedure.
Potential
Complications from Left Ventricular Assist Device Placement:
Possible risks following left ventricular assist
device placement include infection, bleeding, heart failure and a negative
reaction to the anesthesia.
Prognosis
after Left Ventricular Assist Device Placement:
The prognosis for a positive end result following
left ventricular assist device placement is good. The procedure extends the
life span for end-stage failure patients by several months.
Recovery
from Left Ventricular Assist Device Placement:
Total recovery from left ventricular assist device placement
takes six to eight weeks.
.jpg "Left Ventricular Assist Device Placement")
.jpg "Left Ventricular Assist Device Placement by OrangeCountySurgeons.org - 2")
