Wednesday, February 15, 2012

A NEW TREATMENT FOR ADVANCED HEART FAILURE

VENTRICULAR ASSIST DEVICES (VADS)



A healthy heart

The heart is responsible for pumping blood through the body. Blood pumped by the heart brings oxygen to the body’s organs and cells and removes carbon dioxide. With a normal, healthy heart, pumping is strong and effective.




Advanced heart failure

For those with heart failure, the heart has a hard time pumping blood. Because a weak heart pumps less blood, th body gets less oxygen. This can make a person feel tired or weak even doing simple things, like walking or eating.







Heart failure symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• Swollen feet, ankles, and legs
• Selling in the abdomen
• Trouble sleeping when lying flat
• Feeling weak and tired
• Difficulty in breathing, even at rest


Are you a candidate for a VAD?

A ventricular assist device (VAD) is a blood pump. It assists the heart with pumping blood to the body. It doesnot replace the heart. Patients need to have surgery to implant the device.

Since VADs help move more oxygen-rich blood, VAD patients often have more energy than before. This means they can resume activities they enjoy, like shopping and visiting amily and friends.

Your doctor will decide if a VAD is right for you or your loved one. For many, VAD have greatly improved their quality of life and given patients new hope for the future.


A ventricular assist device (VAD) helps the heart
with pumping blood to the body.

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