The new electric VAD reduces the hospitalization costs associated with these long waits. The elect VAD is much more portable. Patients also enjoy a better lifestyle as they may have the opportunity to leave the hospital and live at home. Patients who receive the electric VAD can typically do most of the things a fully healthy person would do, including traveling, shopping, and visiting friends. Their only real limitation, other than avoidance of strenuous activities like running or heavy lifting, is the need to be accompanied by a trained companion at all times away from the hospital.
Patients have to meet a number of requirements before they can leave the hospital.
For instance, they must remain hospitalized 30 days while learning about the technology. If the new devices prove safe and effective, as expected, Dr. Richenbacher expects them to replace the traditional air-driven VADs. He received evaluation and treatment from Cedar Rapids cardiologist Lawrence Cook, MD, who referred him to the UIHC for a biopsy. Hlas remained relatively healthy until 1994, when Marshalltown internal medicine specialist Ron Terrill, MD, treated him for congestive heart failure and ventricular tachycardia, a dangerous heart rhythm problem. Dr. Terrill subsequently referred him to the UIHC, where he was placed on the heart transplant list.