Ventricular Assist Devices

Overview

Mayo Clinic has extensive experience implanting ventricular assist devices (VADs) in people who have intractable congestive heart failure. Mayo Clinic's integrated, multidisciplinary team approach to patient care ensures the most appropriate care for the patient with a VAD. The team is led by a group of surgeons and cardiologists who are among the most experienced in the world. The team also includes pulmonologists, nurses, physical therapists and occupational therapists — all dedicated to caring for people who need VADs. The team also includes lifestyle coaches who help patients adjust to the need for an implant and life with the device.

In February 2008, Mayo Clinic received the Joint Commission Disease Specific Care Certification for Destination Therapy in ventricular devices. The certification is presented to institutions that adhere to specific standards, conform to Good Clinical Practice guidelines and meet special performance measurements.

Patients who undergo ventricular assist device implantation may experience improved quality of life, stabilized cardiac condition, improved organ function and preparedness for heart transplant. Newer design of ventricular assist devices permits implantation in small adults and in some children.

Mayo Clinic physicians carefully evaluate patients' heart and vital organ function prior to ventricular assist device implantation. Before making a recommendation, the care team considers all options for treatment of congestive heart failure. All three Mayo locations have heart failure clinics for assessment of people who may benefit from treatment with a VAD, as well as advanced heart failure clinics staffed by cardiologists and cardiac surgeons who specialize in treating people with congestive heart failure. Several studies and active clinical trials related to VAD implantation are ongoing at Mayo Clinic.