Patients with advanced heart failure whose medicines are no longer working may need to consider a major heart surgery. However, many patients wait long for a heart transplant, while other patients are not eligible to get a transplant.
For these patients, the left ventricular assist device (or LVAD) may be offered as therapy for their heart failure. The LVAD is a mechanical device that helps the heart do its job of pumping blood.
Use this booklet and video decision aid to help you learn more about LVADs and understand the options. These tools can be used to help you have a discussion with doctors and your loved ones.