The INTEGRIS Health Advanced Cardiac Care program offers heart assist devices to give end-stage heart patients the opportunity to live more complete, normal and active lives while living with end-stage heart failure.
The LVAD is an implantable device that helps the weakened heart pump blood to the rest of the body. The electric pump receives battery power through a cable that exits the patient’s side (abdomen). The wearable batteries are connected to a small computer (controller) that runs the pump and sends messages about the pumps operations.
The LVAD is designed to meet the needs of two different types of patients:
By increasing blood flow to the body, vital organs such as the liver, kidneys and brain can improve their function. With this improved function, the patient will regain strength and be able to participate in activities that were difficult prior.
Life with an LVAD has few restrictions. We encourage exercise, travel, and other activities that patients enjoyed before receiving a device. You will follow-up with our LVAD clinic at certain intervals post implant to ensure you are recovering well. A loved one or caregiver will need to care for the site on your abdomen where your power cord exits to ensure it does not get infected. You will need to keep track of your battery power and ensure your equipment is always in good working order.
It is very important that you make healthy lifestyle changes before and after the LVAD implant. These include:
In 2014, INTEGRIS Health was honored to be the first health system in the nation to implant the Heartmate 3 Left Ventricular Assist System
