Heart failure is a common, progressive condition in which the heart's pumping power weakens, slowing the flow of blood throughout the body. Heart failure doesn't mean that the heart has stopped working but rather that it has become inefficient. The condition increases pressure inside the heart and lungs, which can result in a buildup of fluid in the feet, ankles, legs, and lungs.
Heart failure is a serious problem that needs to be evaluated by a specialist. Untreated, heart failure will continue to worsen, damaging other vital organs.
Now there is an hope for patients living with advanced and end-stage heart failure experiencing severe symptoms, who are in dire need of heart transplant. While waiting for a donor’s heart or for patients who can not qualify for the transplant, as a supportive treatment, implantation of an artificial heart (Left Ventricular Assist Device – LVAD) is now a life changing solution.
LVAD devices incorporate many features specifically intended to minimize the risk of complications while enhancing patient abilities to resume a normal daily life.
Survival.
An LVAD provides long-term survival if compares with medical therapy alone.
Quality of Life.
An implantable device facilitates freedom to move, get back into daily routine activities, travel and even some sports – leading to an improved quality of life.
Home Discharge.
After surgery, patients can be discharged from the hospital, providing significant cost savings and return to life among family and friends.
Low Incidence of Complications.
The device blood flow path has been optimized. As a result, an LVAD devices is exceptionally durable and dependable.
Simplicity/Ease-of-Use.
The simple design — with only one moving part — contributes to easy and reliable operation.
There is no limit to how long a patient can live with an LVAD device. The unique design includes features that are clinically proven to minimize the risk of complications and maximize longevity. 80 percent of recipients became free of heart failure symptoms after six months and returned to daily life with few or no limitations.
Artificial Heart or LVAD is most often used when a qualified heart transplant candidate is waiting for surgery. It can also offer patients with advanced heart failure who do not qualify for a heart transplant, a prolonged and improved quality of life. NICVD Heart Failure Team will perform testing and discuss your options to determine whether an LVAD is right for you.
For further details or in case of emergency, please contact NICVD Heart Failure Team at Heart Failure Hotline
0300-8594913
