Heart and Vascular

Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD)

If advanced heart failure limits your treatment options, an LVAD can help your heart pump more effectively. Our team provides expert care before, during and after implantation.

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Advanced Treatment for Heart Failure

As Greater Cincinnati’s leader in cardiovascular care, we never stop searching for solutions for patients with heart failure. When other treatments are no longer effective, a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) can be a life changing option.

Most Experience in the Region

Since our LVAD program launched in 2011, it has grown to be one of the largest in the nation. We are the region’s leader in LVAD procedures.

Ongoing Heart & Vascular Improvements

We are pushing new heart treatments forward through continuous innovation and research. Thanks to improved technology and smaller device sizes, patients with heart failure can achieve better outcomes and shorter recovery times.

Recognized Programs

Our expertise and compliance with care standards have helped us earn The Gold Seal of Approval® Joint Commission certification for our Mechanical Heart Assist Device Program. We are designated as an Anthem Center of Medical Excellence for Ventricular Assist Device Programs.

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Overview

A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is a mechanical pump we surgically implant to help the heart pump more effectively. For patients with advanced heart failure, an LVAD can improve quality of life and, in some cases, extend life.

The LVAD pulls blood from the left ventricle (lower heart chamber) and pumps it into the aorta, your body’s main blood vessel. Your heart continues to beat, while the LVAD helps circulate blood to your vital organs.

Who Is Eligible for an LVAD?

LVAD may be an option if your condition no longer responds to medication, a pacemaker or other medical therapies. Our team typically implants LVADs for one of three reasons:

Bridge to transplant (BTT)—offers support until a donor heart becomes available.
Bridge to decision (BTD)—helps your heart recover from shock while your care team decides whether you need a transplant or if your heart will recover.
Destination therapy (DT)—long-term treatment for patients who don’t qualify for a heart transplant due to illness or age.

How the LVAD System Works

Most LVADs rest near the bottom of the heart inside the chest. A driveline (power cord) exits through the upper abdomen. This cord connects to the system controller, about the size of a large wallet, that straps around your waist. The system controller runs on batteries worn in a shoulder holster or connects to a charging unit plugged into a wall outlet.

When using the batteries, you can stay active and continue normal daily activities for up to 12 hours. The charging unit works best at home while you rest or monitor the device.

LVAD Program at The Christ Hospital Health Network

The LVAD program is part of the Carl H. & Edyth Lindner Heart Failure Treatment Center at The Christ Hospital. Our multidisciplinary team includes specialists with advanced training in LVAD care. We address your needs and provide continued support before and after surgery.

Your team includes:

Cardiologists
Cardiac surgeons
LVAD/RN coordinators
Dietitians
Exercise and rehabilitation specialists
Nurse practitioners
Psychiatrists
Registered nurses
Social workers
Other surgeons

If you’ve recently received an LVAD—or are considering one—we invite you to attend our monthly LVAD support group. Here, you can learn and connect with patients and families who have firsthand experience with LVAD treatment. You can also join our LVAD Facebook group.