I need information on Left Ventricle Assistance Device or (LVAD) ?

Question

My Father also has a mitral valve replacement and is on a pace maker/defibrillator. We are try to prolong or circumvent the need of a heart transplant and have heard good thing about the LVAD. Is a LVAD possible with a Mitral Valve Replacement?

Answer 1

Obviously a complicated situation, but basically, an LVAD is a mechanical pump that performs the work of the left ventricle when one's own heart is too weak to do so.  (You can also get an RVAD for right ventricular failure, or  BiVAD if you need to support both ventricles).  A tube is surgically placed in the left ventricle, which leads blood out of the body into the pump, which drives blood back into the aorta and maintains cardiac output.  

The invasive nature of the device and the high complications rates mean that for the most part, people sit around in the hospital with this.  So this is used generally in those people who need a heart transplant now but none is available so this is used as a bridge.  For the most part, it wouldn't circumvent the need for a new heart (unless the underlying heart condition is temporary).  A prior mitral valve replacement is not an issue.

Best of luck to your and your father.

Answer 2

LVAD gives the heart a much needed rest break.  They sometimes will use this device to bridge one to heart transplantation.  It is surgery to attached to the Left ventricular,the  line is outside of the body to be reattached on other side of heart.  Will have to carry a battery pack.The site has to be cleaned daily.  Probably  will  be followed closer by his  Dr. if he chooses the LVAD.  I was asked if I wanted to be bridged to transplant or just have the two valves repaired. I chose to have the valves repaired.  Maybe able to since the valve replacement was within the heart  and not the left ventricle itself.  But only your father's Cardiologist can answer that question.  Good Luck to your father.