Affordable Left Ventricle Assist Device (LVAD) for End-Stage Heart Failure Patients
Left Ventricle Assist Device or LVAD in short is a surgically implanted mechanical pump which is attached to end-stage heart failure patients. Unlike the heart transplant surgery which replaces the complete failing heart, LVAD works with the ailing heart so as to help it pump more blood. LVAD helps continuously by taking blood from left ventricle and subsequently pumping it into the aorta which sends oxygen-rich blood throughout the body.
LVAD Device
This device has two parts, the internal and the external components. While the actual pump is attached on or next to the left ventricle of the heart along with a tube which routes blood to aorta, there is a driveline cable extending from the pump and out through skin which connects the pump with an external controller and power source that is worn by the patient outside the body. LVAD is ideally meant for patients who have crossed all initial heart failure stages and reached advanced stage of the disease where the heart is no longer able to pump blood to meet requirements of the body.
Purpose of LVADs
LVADs are useful in fulfilling the following two goals of advanced heart failure patients.
Bridge-to-Transplant Therapy – In this case, LVAD is meant to serve as a life-saving therapy for heart patients awaiting organ transplant. Typically, these patients make use of LVAD until the time a donor heart becomes available. Moreover, in some of these cases, LVAD is also able to restore function in the failing heart so effectively that there is no more a need for the patient to undergo heart transplant.
Destination Therapy – LVAD surgery is also performed for some heart failure patients who are not good candidates for undergoing heart transplants. In such cases, LVAD surgery is a long-term treatment and is meant to prolong and improve the life of a patient.
Life after LVAD Surgery
It may be reassuring for end-stage heart failure patients to know that there are thousands of people all around the world who are living active and productive lives with help of LVADs. Patients will be shifted to an intensive care unit (ICU) right after LVAD surgery and where they will eventually awake from effects of anesthesia. There will be several tubes attached which will be transferring fluids to and from the body. LVAD surgery patients may also be attached to the heart-lung machine for a few days until the time they are able to breathe on their own. Lastly, LVAD surgery patients may be moved to a cardiac step-down room and where they may be required to stay until they recover and are able to get around with the device.
Top Quality of Affordable Heart Failure Treatment in India Heart failure treatment in India is world-class in quality and comparable with the best in the world. Additionally, congestive heart failure surgery in India is reasonably priced and therefore most suited for cardiac patients who are concerned about the rising cost of healthcare in other global destinations. In fact, overseas patients undergoing LVAD surgery will be able to save substantial amounts of their hard earned money by undergoing heart failure treatments in India.
