Heart failure is a debilitating and life-threatening condition that only gets worse over time, often leading to end-stage heart failure and even death. Patients with end-stage heart failure experience shortness of breath, painful swelling in the legs and feet, physical exhaustion, and fluid buildup in the lungs and abdomen. It's a devastating condition that can take a toll on both the patient and their loved ones.
The Medtronic HeartWare HVAD pump system provides additional blood flow to support the weakened left ventricle for patients suffering from heart failure. It is often used as a bridge to transplant for patients waiting for a heart transplant. For patients who cannot undergo a transplant right away or are being transported to a hospital, the system can also be used to extend their lifespan and improve their overall quality of life.
This device consists of a pump that is implanted in the pericardium or the membrane that surrounds the heart. A controller regulates the pump's speed and function, a tube drains the blood from the heart, and another tube pumps the blood into the aorta. The controller remains outside the patient's body and is connected to the pump by a flexible tube that passes through the skin. The controller can be powered by batteries or by a power supply that can be connected to a standard electrical outlet.