Ventricular assist devices, VADs, are surgically implanted mechanical pumps used to increase cardiac output (the amount of blood per minute pumped by the heart) of one or both of the heart’s ventricles.

VADs have four basic components: a pump which is surgically attached to the heart; an external computer or controller which runs the system; a power source of batteries and/or a direct connection to an electrical outlet; and a cable or driveline connecting the internal and external components.

As one of the busiest ventricular assist programs in the Mid-Atlantic, our cardiac surgeons placed 30 Ventricular Assist Devices in 2010. A shortage of donor hearts means patients are waiting for heart transplants longer. Therefore, more patients are being implanted with VADs as a bridge to transplant. Many of these patients are doing so well that they opt to have their name removed from the transplant list.

For those patients who do require a heart transplant, we host monthly education conferences prior to surgery and also offer support groups for our post-transplant patients.

Inova Heart and Vascular Institute experience

The Inova Heart and Vascular Institute team of physicians not only care about the technical aspects of VADs but also what happens once they are planted.  Learn about the expert physicians on our VAD team

Patient support group

Inova Heart and Vascular Institute is pleased to offer the Heart and Lung Transplant / VAD: Artificial Heart support and education group. The group meets the first Tuesday of every month from 1 to 2 p.m. in the IHVI Conference Center - Ground floor. (VAD patients to meet ½ hour longer.)  Call 703-776-3203.

Please download the 2012 schedule  for more information