Living with heart failure thanks to a ventricular assist device
A ventricular assist device (VAD) is a mechanical pump that is implanted to help the heart pump blood throughout the body.
The VAD can be used as a bridge-to-transplant, which means it can help a patient survive until a donor heart becomes available for transplant. The device is an excellent option for patients with end-stage heart failure. It also can be used as destination therapy, which is an alternative to heart transplant, providing long-term support in patients who are not candidates for transplant.
Available ventricular assist devices
Bridge-to-transplant devices
- HeartMate 3
- Total Artificial Heart (TAH)
Destination therapy devices
- HeartMate 3
First accredited VAD program in the country
Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas was the nation's first hospital to receive the Gold Seal of Approval™ from The Joint Commission for the Ventricular Assist Device program, an accreditation that is renewed every two years. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Temple also has the Gold Seal of Approval™.
Baylor University Medical Center and Baylor Scott & White – Temple are actively implanting these ventricular assist devices, either as a bridge to transplantation or as destination therapy for those who are not candidates for a heart transplant.