A ventricular assist device (VAD) is a kind of heart pump. St. Paul's Hospital performs all implantations of VADs and other long-term heart devices in the province through the B.C. Acute Heart Failure Program.
A ventricular assist device (VAD), also known as a heart pump, is a mechanical device that helps pump blood from the heart to the rest of your body.
This device can be implanted in the chest or worn outside the body. If it is implanted, surgery is done to place it in the chest area. The pump part of the device is placed in a small space in your upper abdomen. Batteries that power the pump are usually worn on a belt or pouch outside your body.
After the device has been implanted, your doctor will make another small incision in your side to connect the electrical wires that power the device. A ventricular assist device can help pump blood from the left side, right side, or both sides of your heart, depending on your type of heart failure.
St. Paul's Hospital performs all implantations of long-term heart devices in the province through the B.C. Acute Heart Failure Program.
Visit Providence's Heart Centre website for more information.
Resources
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