Right Ventricular Assist Devices (RVAD)
The right side of the heart pushes blood to the lungs and then to the left side, where the main pumping chamber is. When the right side fails, a right ventricular assist device (RVAD) can temporarily move blood forward. RVADs are temporary devices inserted only for a short period of time and can only be used in the hospital. They may be needed to support the heart during recovery from heart failure, a heart attack or before or following an open-heart surgery.
Impella (Temporary VAD)
An Impella is a temporary right or left-sided ventricular assist device that can be inserted to help move blood flow forward when the right or left side of the heart is failing. Used only in hospitals, Impella devices help support blood flow for patients with severe heart failure, following a heart attack or before or following an open-heart surgery.
Total Artificial Heart
In certain patients, left- or /h3right-sided ventricular assist devices will not provide the necessary support to maintain adequate blood flow. A total artificial heart is the most advanced option available, and it is used as a bridge to transplant.
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)
Patients who experience severe shock from heart failure or lung failure need immediate support to save their lives. An ECMO allows us to rapidly place the patient on full heart and lung support to stabilize their condition and can be used as a bridge to other therapies.