Ventricular Assist Device (VAD)

Einstein Institute of Heart & Vascular Health offers treatment and individualized care for heart failure patients in the Philadelphia area. Our heart failure specialists are experts in the field, employing the latest medications and treatments like ventricular assist devices (VADs) to help you best manage your disease.

What is heart failure?

Advanced heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure or CHF, is a chronic, progressive illness that can be fatal. In many cases, advanced heart failure can be treated with medication or non-invasive surgery. In other cases, patients with more serious heart conditions may be prescribed other treatments, such as the VAD Program.

Managing Heart Failure: A Life-Long Commitment

In some cases, doctors can correct heart failure by treating the underlying cause; for example, repairing a heart valve or controlling a fast heart rhythm to reverse heart failure. But in most cases, the treatment of heart failure involves a balance of the right medications or - in advanced stages of heart failure - devices like VADs may be prescribed. 

Medications: An Important Treatment

Taking heart failure medication as prescribed is one of the most important things you can do to manage your condition. Sometimes medications alone are the best treatment for heart failure.

When Ventricular Assist Device, or VAD, is the Best Treatment

In advanced stages of heart failure, your heart can be damaged and medications may not be enough to treat your disease. A treatment like a VAD may be recommended to assist. VADs are implantable pumps that help a weak heart circulate blood to the rest of the body. They are also an important development in improving the care and the lives of patients with heart failure. Ventricular assist devices and other methods are used in heart failure treatment in Philadelphia and Montgomery County at Einstein.

2 Ways VADS Improve Lives

Depending on the condition of the patient, VADs can be used in two ways. One treatment is bridge-to-transplant, meaning a VAD is implanted to help a patient survive until a heart replacement is found. The other treatment is destination therapy, meaning the VAD is implanted and provides long-term support in patients who are not candidates for transplant. In both cases, VAD offers an effective support and treatment for cardiac rehabilitation.

Returning to Life with VAD