The Cooper and Inspira Cardiac Care Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) Program is led by an interdisciplinary team with experience in the management of heart failure. It includes:
- Board-certified advanced heart failure and transplant cardiologists who are experts in the type of complex management that a patient with heart failure requires.
- Skilled cardiothoracic surgeons who implant the ventricular assist devices and manage the patient throughout the post-operative period.
- VAD coordinators who support patients in the time leading up to the VAD implant and for the duration of their time on support.
- Social workers experienced in navigating the psychosocial challenges that come with requiring this level of care.
Our program is based at Cooper University Hospital, where patients receive care by doctors, nurses and other team members who have the necessary training.
What is a VAD?
A VAD is a form of mechanical circulatory support (MCS). No matter the type, all forms of MCS are meant to help the heart pump blood out to the body.
Types of VADs
Short-Term/Temporary VAD
Some VADs are used for short-term treatment needed by patients admitted to the hospital. These patients may be recovering from a severe heart attack or may need extra support because they have cardiogenic shock, a condition that causes the prevents the heart from pumping blood the way it should.
Long-Term/Durable VAD
Some patients who are living in the most advanced stage of heart failure (NYHA IV or ACC Stage D) will not be able to recover without the support of a permanent VAD. Cooper University Hospital can offer this to our patients. Patients can leave the hospital with an implanted durable VAD. The support that a VAD provides helps patients feel better and improves their quality of life.
How does a durable VAD work?
We offer treatment using a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). This device takes over the work of your heart’s left ventricle (LV). When a person has heart failure, it can cause the LV to become enlarged and weak. It cannot pump blood out to the aorta, which means that your body is not getting enough blood to function.
During a VAD implant, a cardiothoracic surgeon attaches the pump to your LV. Blood travels from the LV into the pump and through a tube called the outflow graft attached to your aorta. Once in the aorta, blood flows to the rest of the body in the same way it would be in a person with a healthy heart.
What powers the pump?
The pump is attached to a driveline, a thin cable that runs through the inside of your abdomen and out through the skin. Once outside of your body, the driveline connects to a system controller. This controller is like a small computer. It lets you and your treatment team know what is going on with your device. The system controller connects to a power source, either two 14-volt lithium-ion batteries that you will use when you are active, or a small power unit plugged into the wall that you use while you are sleeping.
How do patients manage their care with a VAD?
A VAD can help eliminate the heart failure symptoms that keep you from being able to live the life you want. However, the decision to pursue a VAD implant is serious. It involves open heart surgery and everything that comes with that. It requires you to adjust to living with the components of the VAD that keep it functioning. That is why we have a whole team dedicated to your care and why the Cooper VAD Program is exceptional:
- 24/7 direct access to a provider from your team via a phone number that you can call at any point if you are having an emergency and need support. No answering service, no leaving a message. Someone you know and who knows you will answer the call.
- Appointment availability, even on short notice. Getting an appointment with a specialist can be hard. There can be a long wait. We have dedicated VAD clinic time to help manage our patients.
- Access to the entire Cooper system of care. Doctors who work outside of cardiology may have concerns about offering treatments to patients with heart failure or a VAD. Because Cooper has a comprehensive team of cardiac specialists, we can provide coordinated care to help determine what kinds of treatments are safe for you.
- Ongoing support for you and your caregivers including peer groups and resources for self-care to help you and your support system. Being able to connect with other VAD patients and their caregivers is a valuable resource.
How do I know if a VAD is right for me?
To qualify for a VAD implant, you must be diagnosed with most advanced stage of heart failure. We also need to make sure there is not a less invasive treatment to help you manage your symptoms. Getting a VAD implant involves major surgery and lifestyle changes. It is an amazing option for people who need it, but if there are different medications or a less invasive device that we could use to help you feel better, they will be considered first. The best way to determine what you need is to schedule an appointment with a cardiologist who is board certified in advanced heart failure and transplant.
But I already have a cardiologist.
That is ok. Many of our patients have been seeing a cardiologist for a long time. We understand that it is hard to end those relationships. Advanced heart failure programs can offer medications and devices not offered at other locations. If you feel like it’s time to try something different, but don’t want to stop seeing your cardiologist, we are happy to participate in “shared care,” where we take the lead in managing your heart failure and the cardiologist you have already been seeing takes the lead in managing other cardiac issues you may have.
How can I make an appointment?
You can ask for a referral from your doctor, or you can self-refer. If you self-refer, please call 833.SJHEART (833.754.3278) and request a visit with our heart failure cardiologists. You can also email us with any questions at AdvancedHeartFailure@cooperhealth.edu.