UNC has become a leader in use of ventricular assist devices (VAD) to treat patients with heart failure. A VAD is a mechanical circulatory device that provides continuous blood flow, replacing the function of a failing heart. UNC heart surgeon Brett Sheridan, MD, says use of the devices has become more common as their size, reliability and function have improved. Read about VADs and the experience of UNC patient Brian Ainsley in an article from UNC Health Care’s magazine, Well.