LVAD Surgery: Do you need it for your heart?

Cardiology | by BMB

India, a dynamic country has enchanted the world with its captivating smiles, fragrances, and scenery for centuries along with its heartwarming hospitality. However, India’s own implacable heart is at risk now. According to the Times of India, heart attacks kill one person every 33 seconds in India, with 52 percent of all cardiovascular fatalities occurring before the age of 70. Heart failure is one of the serious conditions that we should be aware of. It can be proved fatal if not treated at right time. As suggested by the best heart doctor, such patients should undergo a heart transplant i.e offered at the best cardiac center in Kolkata.

A heart transplant is often considered a last-resort treatment for heart failure patients. Although finding a donor for such patients demands a long waiting time and has to consider other factors before getting successful heart transplantation. Here’s where LVAD surgery comes in as a bridge to heart transplant surgery. Unlike a heart transplant, LVAD does not replace the damaged heart; instead, it aids its normal function. Patients who are waiting for a heart transplant have found LVADs to be a lifesaver. But before opting for such a device, you should know what it entails.

Understanding the procedure- LVAD surgery

In heart failure patients the main pumping chamber or the left atrium of our heart gets diseased. And the LV(left ventricle) is unable to pump blood into the rest of our body. So, our heart needs mechanical assistance from the outside to keep beating. During the waiting period for a donor's heart, the LVAD(Left Ventricular Assist Device) helps in maintaining the continuous blood flow into your heart and throughout your body as well.

How does LVAD work?

• This is an electronic device that comprises a mechanical pump.
• The pump is being implanted inside the chest or abdomen and takes over the job of the weak left ventricle. You can find some of the best heart doctors practicing LVAD surgery in Kolkata.
• The blood flows from the left ventricle through an inflow tube to the pump.
• The pump pushes the blood through an outflow tube to the aorta(the main artery)
• From the aorta, the blood flows normally to the rest of your body and supplies oxygen and nutrition to the other parts as well.

When should you consider having LVAD surgery?

LVAD can be used as a temporary and permanent treatment option as well. Your doctor might recommend LVAD for you if-

• You are waiting for a donor’s heart. And they will remove this after having a heart transplant surgery.
• You are not eligible for a heart transplant because of age or other factors. Your doctor may suggest LVAD as destination therapy(final treatment option) i.e you might have to live with an LVAD device kept in a patient pack attached to your body.
• You have had temporary heart failure. In this scenario, your doctor will recommend you for getting LVAD, until your heart is working fine.
• There is a possibility of damage recovery of your diseased heart. LVAD can reduce the workload for your heart whilst the damage healing.

FAQ- all your concern addressed

• What is the recovery period after having LVAD surgery?

We keep most of our patients in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit for one week after getting LVAD surgery. Our medical personnel will monitor all your vitals( heart rate, blood pressure, etc) to evaluate the performance of your overall heart function. After that, we shift our patients to the recovery unit for 1-2 weeks more.
 

• Life after LVAD

Living with an LVAD can be cumbersome for a few weeks after the implantation. You need to do some lifestyle modifications to get used to this new normal. You have to inculcate a few things in your day-to-day life to make it a habit.

-you have to refrain from any strenuous activities so that they won’t put any extra pressure on your heart.

-while traveling you need to carry extra pair of batteries for your device. Do not forget to notify the airport authority about your device in advance. You can carry all your medical reports in digital form along with you so that you can show them the details, if necessary.
 

• Is LVAD a permanent treatment?

LVAD can increase the one-year survival rate by 2 times and can improve the quality of life. This is indicated as permanent (destination therapy) treatment for patients who are suffering from end-stage heart diseases and are not eligible for a heart transplant.
 

• How long a person can live with LVAD surgery?

As per research, a person can live up to 5 and a half years after LVAD surgery.

Conclusion- if you are suffering from cardiac issues and want a second opinion on your diagnosis, you can reach us to get yourself evaluated by the best heart doctor in Kolkata.