Skip to Content

Artificial Heart and Ventricular Device (VAD) Services

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 numerous people, and making our Artificial Heart program one of the most active programs of its kind in the U.S.

What Are Artificial Heart and VAD Services?

A left ventricular assist device (LVAD), also called a heart pump or an artificial heart, is an implanted device that helps your heart pump blood to the rest of your body. These devices are commonly used for people who have a weakened heart muscle or end-stage heart failure.

What conditions do you treat?

The goal of an LVAD is to extend life and improve quality of life for people with end-stage heart failure.

Who’s eligible for artificial heart and VAD services?

People with end-stage heart failure may be candidates for artificial heart and LVAD services. LVADs serve different purposes, depending on your health and needs.

  • Short-term LVADs — Short-term LVADs are sometimes used during heart surgery to protect the heart or as support to strengthen the heart after damage from a heart attack or other heart event. Your doctor will remove the device before you leave the hospital.
  • Bridge-to-transplantation LVADs — An LVAD keeps the heart pumping blood while you wait for a heart transplant.
  • Destination therapy LVAD — An LVAD keeps oxygenated blood flowing through your body long term. Your doctor may recommend this option if you are not a candidate for a heart transplant.

What Artificial Heart and VAD Services Do We Offer?

Whether you require an LVAD for a short amount of time or as a more permanent solution, there are several devices available to be implanted.

Temporary LVAD

  • Impella®
    • Very small heart pump.
    • It can be inserted using a catheter or through small incisions. Doctors can then advance the device to the heart through an artery.
    • For temporary in-hospital use to protect the heart during surgery, such as during stent placement, recovery after a heart attack, or as a bridge to another therapy.
    • "Unloads" the left ventricle by pulling blood and releasing it into the aorta.

Durable LVAD

  • HeartMate 3®
    • Connected to the left side of the heart and moves oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to the rest of the body.
    • It comes with a system controller that powers the LVAD and can fit inside a vest or shoulder bag.
    • Gentle blood handling minimizes complications.
    • Intended to provide long-term support to the heart in patients with end-stage heart failure.

Minimally invasive LVAD surgery

UPMC experts specialize in using minimally invasive techniques for LVAD implantation. Our experts have also performed robotic-assisted HM3 implant procedures.

Research shows that this approach can lead to excellent clinical outcomes, including reduced postoperative bleeding, a shorter stay in the hospital, and improved overall survival.

What Can I Expect from Artificial Heart and VAD Services at UPMC?

From implanting the Jarvik Artificial Heart in 1985 to today's advanced circulatory support devices, the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute continually sets the standard in technological innovation and clinical excellence.

Continuing innovation

Our clinicians are always working to develop new ventricular assist device (VAD) designs and improve existing designs. We've applied our research to improving both patient survival and quality of life after implantation.

Our program has served as a national training center for medical centers implementing certain VAD programs. To date, approximately 60 centers throughout the United States have sent teams of specialists to Pittsburgh for training exercises led by our artificial heart and VAD team.

Access to advanced technology

We're studying new short-term left and right heart support devices that can be implemented through minimally invasive approaches.

Collaborative care

Over the years, we've developed effective ways of working with VADs and the people who need them.

We've refined our techniques to function with the utmost efficiency, and our comprehensive approach has enabled us to deliver outstanding patient outcomes. Our doctors, engineers, and researchers work together to:

  • Assess new VAD technologies.
  • Develop weaning protocols for mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices.
  • Educate and manage VAD patients in outpatient settings.
  • Identify cardiac recovery.
  • Improve VAD assessment standards for patient candidacy.
  • Manage acute cardiogenic shock.
  • Manage patients after VAD implantation.
  • Refine criteria for appropriate VAD selection.

Your artificial heart and VAD care

Before surgery

Getting an LVAD implanted requires major surgery. Your doctor will recommend several tests, such as imaging exams and blood tests, to determine if an LVAD is right for you.

Your doctor will review the risks and benefits of the procedure, as well as what device is best for you. Your care team will also tell you how to prepare, not only for surgery, but also for life with an LVAD.

Having an LVAD requires lifestyle changes. You will need to take certain precautions to care for the device and take medications, such as blood thinners. Before you have the procedure, your doctor will discuss what to expect during and after surgery.

During surgery

Most LVADs require open heart surgery, although minimally invasive techniques may be an option in some cases. Your doctor will talk with you about whether the procedure can be performed using minimally invasive techniques.

On the day of your surgery, you will have general anesthesia, which means you will sleep through the procedure. A ventilator will help you breathe. A heart-lung bypass machine will maintain blood flow to your body throughout the surgery.

An incision will be made in your chest to access your heart. The surgeon will implant the device and ensure it is working before closing the incision. On average, the surgery lasts about four to six hours.

After surgery

After the surgery, you will spend time in the intensive care unit (ICU) and will likely need ventilator support as your body adjusts to the new device. The ventilator helps you breathe as you recover.

When ready, you'll move into a hospital room, where your care team will help you prepare to go home. The length of stay may vary for every individual patient, but you may spend two to three weeks in the hospital after surgery. During this time, you'll learn how to care for yourself and your device.

When you're able to go home, plan to have a family member or caregiver available to help you for a few weeks. It's important that you follow all instructions for maintenance, medications, exercise, and healthy eating. This will ensure you get the best results with your new device.

Life with an LVAD

You will need to care for the device and lead a heart-healthy lifestyle. Your doctor may recommend cardiac rehabilitation to help you grow stronger and learn healthy habits.

With an LVAD, you will need to avoid:

  • Contact sports.
  • MRIs.
  • Smoking and drinking alcohol.
  • Swimming, baths, hot tubs, or other places where water surrounds you.

How long can a human live with an artificial heart?

People have lived for months or years with an artificial heart while waiting for a heart transplant.

How Do I Get Artificial Heart and VAD Care at UPMC?

For more information about heart transplants, LVADs or to make an appointment for an evaluation, visit the UPMC Heart Transplant Program or contact us.

Your artificial heart and VAD experts

Our artificial heart and VAD care team includes experts in cardiology, cardiac surgery, and biomedical engineering. We’re here to provide you with the best care and treatment to help you live a healthier life.

Artificial heart and VAD care team roles

Cardiac surgeons
  • Evaluate you to determine whether you are eligible for a ventricular assist device (VAD) or for heart transplantation.
  • Perform the donor and transplant operation.
  • Manage any surgical decisions.
Cardiologists
  • Manage your medical treatment.
  • Provide support throughout the entire process of implantation or transplantation.
  • Participate in the selection of suitable VADs and stabilize you before surgery.
Biomedical engineers
  • Help and support hospital staff members who care for you.
  • Perform routine checks on your device.
  • Help transport you to and from medical tests.
VAD nursing coordinators
  • Provide care before, during, and after you receive a VAD.
  • Assess your physical condition.
  • Explain the risks and benefits of assist devices and advise you about any complications.
  • Help educate you and your family about VADs.
Physical therapists
  • Evaluate your ability to walk and exercise.
  • Set treatment and rehabilitation goals after VAD implantation.
  • Develop home exercise programs to improve your physical condition.
Occupational therapists
  • Evaluate your ability to perform activities of daily living, such as getting dressed, preparing meals, and other tasks.
Respiratory therapists
  • Evaluate your respiratory care needs before, during, and after implantation of a VAD.
  • Administer medications, inhalers, and breathing exercises to help your lungs become strong.
Technicians
  • Support you if you have a temporary device, known as an intraoperative balloon pump (IABP).
  • Transport you to surgery.
  • Perform routine checks on your VAD and assist the biomedical engineers.

Last reviewed by Amanda Hopwood, PA-C on 2024-10-01.