UNC’s ventricular assist device (VAD) program had tremendous growth in 2013-2014. Ventricular assist devices (VAD) are mechanical devices implanted in open heart surgery to provide increased blood flow for heart failure patients, greatly improving their quality of life and survival. The devices may be used as a bridge to heart transplant, or as a destination therapy for patients who are not medically eligible for heart transplant.
The number of VAD devices implanted into UNC patients grew by 206% during the 2013-2014 fiscal year. Of the 72 mechanical circulatory support devices implanted, 40 were for durable (home) support, including destination therapy and as a bridge to heart transplant. Thirty-two of the mechanical circulatory support devices were for temporary in-hospital support, with 24 patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) as well.
Drs. Andy Kiser and Brett Sheridan of the UNC Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery implant VADs.