Percutaneous VAD Implantation

What is it?

A ventricular assist device (VAD) is a mechanical pump that helps support heart function and blood flow in someone who has a weakened heart or is experiencing heart failure. Typically, a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is implanted during open heart surgery and is connected to your heart using two special tubes.

Loyola also uses the TandemHeart® percutaneous ventricular assist device (PVAD). This device is not implanted in the body but rather is connected to the circulatory system through tubes that are inserted into the groin arteries, which relieves symptoms and restores heart function. This PVAD provides short-term support that can last from a few hours up to 14 days, giving the heart time to strengthen and potentially regain function.

The PVAD has been successfully used as a bridge to a long-term therapy such as a heart transplant, and in patients who have developed cardiogenic shock (heart failure as a result of heart surgery or a severe heart attack).

The Loyola difference

Loyola is a nationally recognized leader in cardiac care. U.S. News & World Report ranked us 18th in the nation for cardiology and heart surgery in 2012, making this our 10th year in the top 50.

Learn more about our performance outcomes.