Ventricular assist devices

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View syndicated health information from Mayo Clinic.

Television

• 5 Years on a VAD

  You have six months. Maybe a year. That was reality for heart failure patient Verna Schrombeck. Her condition had deteriorated to the point where treatment no longer helped. Because of her age, she was not a candidate for a heart transplant. Doctors at Mayo Clinic implanted a device that would hopefully keep Verna alive, at least a little while. Years later she shares her story.

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  Resource: Ventricular assist devices

• Triathlete Transplant

  This is a story of the power of perseverance and love. A man named Kevin Lue was a triathlete who developed a rare disease that caused his heart to fail. In a matter of months, he went from intense competition to barely being able to walk. He needed a heart transplant. In addition to his new heart, he got a whole lot more.

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  Resource: Transplant Programs at Mayo Clinic