Implantation of a system

There are several options for implanting a VAD. The most common variant is its use as a left heart VAD, but its use as a right heart VAD or for both halves of the heart is also possible.

Left ventricular VAD: in this variant, the left ventricle, which normally pumps the oxygen-rich blood into the body, is relieved by the VAD. The VAD is connected to the left ventricle and the outlet tube is implanted in the aorta.

Right ventricular VAD: if the right ventricle, which pumps deoxygenated blood into the pulmonary arteries, is too weak, the VAD can be connected to the right ventricle. In this case, the outlet tube is implanted into the pulmonary artery.

Biventricular VAD: should both ventricles be damaged to such an extent that unilateral support is not sufficient, it may be necessary in rare cases to provide both sides with a support system.

Medication and complications

If you have had a VAD implanted, the blood’s clotting function must be permanently influenced by tablets to prevent the formation of blood clots in the pump. Oral vitamin K antagonists (e.g. Marcumar) influence the formation of clotting factors in the liver and thus reduce the blood’s ability to clot. It is important that patients taking such drugs stay within a certain range of blood thinning. If the value falls below this, blood clots can form which can either impair the function of the pump or lead to strokes. If the value is exceeded, spontaneous bleeding may occur. For this reason, the patients learn to determine the value themselves every day and to dose the medication accordingly.