Artificial Heart or LVAD Surgery in India

LVAD- Candidacy, Advantages, Success Rate & Cost in India

Heart failure can occur due to different reasons. However, patients who are almost at the end stage of this failure need Left Ventricular Assist Device, a battery-operated pump implanted surgically. This mechanical pump helps the heart’s left chamber to pump blood out of your ventricle. Thus, artificial heart or LVAD in India assists in reaching blood to different parts of the body. Although both ventricles can accept the VAD, surgeons target the left one. So, it is known as left VAD. But, LVAD cannot replace your original heart. The device is intended for maintaining a proper blood pumping process. The process of implanting VAD involves open-heart surgery. There are some risks associated with the method.

LVADs can be used as:

• Destination therapy- Not every patient is the right candidate for the transplant. There is a need for long-term treatments for some patients. The use of LVAD will prolong their lives.
• Bridge-to-transplant treatment- It is a life-saving solution for those who await a heart transplant. In a few cases, LVAD restores the malfunctioning heart, and you can avoid having a transplant.

However, in case of temporary heart failure also, your surgeon can choose VAD. Your heart may have a chance of becoming healthy and restoring its function.

 Is LVAD the right treatment for you?

To make a decision, the cardiologist will focus on some factors-

• The capability of taking blood thinners safely
• The severity of heart failure
• The condition of your heart’s pumping chamber
• Other medical conditions
• Your mental strength to accept and manage VAD

How do LVADs work?

During your open-heart surgery, the surgeon will implant LVAD. The parts of this device can vary with the model chosen by your surgeon. The major parts are- The surgeon carefully places the pumping unit. The tube delivers the blood to your aorta. The system works continuously to maintain blood flow. The pump remains fitted to the control system and driveline, which passes through your belly skin and reaches the controller outside your body. This controller operates the pumping unit and sends a message. Nowadays, surgeons prefer LVADs equipped with rechargeable batteries.

LVAD- What are the benefits?

With the increased blood flow to your body, the deviceensures the normal functioning of your liver, kidneys, brain, and some other organs. Thus, you will have cardiac rehabilitation with this process. The successful implantation of LVAD ensures a longer lifespan for patients. Those who have already experienced advanced heart failure can obtain benefits from LVAD. Moreover, LVAD minimizes the heart failure symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue. You will feel better and take part in normal everyday activities.

Common risks

LVAD can cause some potential complications-

• Bleeding- A surgery may cause bleeding in some cases.
• Blood clots- There is a blood clotting risk due to the flow of blood through VAD. Ultimately, there will be a slower blood flow, and thus, you have a risk of a heart attack.
• Device issues- A VAD will not always function properly after it has been implanted. For instance, there may be pumping problems and a failure of the power supply. You need medical attention to solve these problems.
• Infection- As the controller and power source are outside your body, they have a risk of bacteria and germs. The target site may have an infection.
• Right ventricle failure- Your surgeon has implanted VAD for the left ventricle. As the left one pumps more blood, the right ventricle can become weak. You need therapies and medications to avoid these problems.

How to prepare for LVAD implant

You can discuss your concerns with the surgeon. He will provide you with special instructions for a faster recovery. Moreover, he will tell you about potential risks related to VAD surgery. You must not drink and eat anything a couple of hours before this surgery. Create a list of medications that you take daily. Show it to the surgeon’s team to know the risk of allergies.

Post-surgery tips

After undergoing the VAD surgery successfully, you have to take care of the device properly. Check for the signs of infections like redness, pain, and fever. Moreover, you must ask your cardiologist a few questions.

• What you should do when VAD does not work properly
• How to clean the VAD cord and incision site
• How to take a bath without affecting the device
• Traveling tips as you have LVAD in your chest.
• Ways to lower your stress whileyou have a VAD.

During the first few months, you have to visit the clinic for checkups. Your cardiologists will listen to your problems and give you medications. Heartbeat and pressure should also be checked regularly.   Contact Tripoheal for Artificial Heart or LVAD Surgery in India