While on an artificial heart pump and waiting for a heart transplant, Amanda Goehring's heart recovered to such an extent that she was able to avoid transplantation.
» Read Amanda's story
In 1985, UPMC surgeons implanted the nation's second Jarvik Artificial Heart as a bridge-to-transplantation. In 1990, UPMC became the first medical center to discharge a patient on a ventricular assist device (VAD).
Today, we continue to pioneer the use of mechanical circulatory support devices, treating more than 600 people, and making our Artificial Heart program one of the most active program of its kind.
Whether as a temporary or permanent solution, VAD implantation has given renewed life to critically ill patients with acute congestive heart failure or cardiogenic shock.
VADs can act as:
Our researchers have even developed strategies that use VADs as bridges to recovery to help during the natural recovery of cardiac tissue, meaning we've actually removed some devices from people after their hearts have healed.
Interested in learning more about heart and vascular treatment?
Request an appointment today.
Watch Dr. Robert Kormos' podcast about ventricular assist devices, produced by the Discovery channel.
For help in finding a doctor or health service that suits your needs, call the UPMC Referral Service at 412-647-UPMC (8762) or 1-800-533-UPMC (8762). Select option 1.
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