In patients with progressive heart failure, in which all current therapy options, both medicinal and surgical, are exhausted, consideration may be given to the use of a VAD (Ventricular Assist Device, also known as the artificial heart).

Patients on the cardiac transplantation waiting list, but also patients with cardiac transplantation contraindications, may benefit from the implantation of a left ventricular assistive device (LVAD) system and, in advanced disease, have a better survival and a better quality of life than patients who are treated with medication.

In patients with myocarditis, using ventricular assist devices can improve ventricular geometry and function to even achieve explantation of the system.

Less than Palm Size

The support devices are getting smaller, the implantation ever easier. Some of the patients currently using Heartware or Thoratec systems require only a few small incisions. The device can be implanted in a minimally invasive manner. The heart and its functions are preserved.

The artificial heart is connected to the tip of the left ventricle. From there, the blood is pumped into the aorta. However, this blood flow is not comparable to the pulsation of a normal heart. Normally, you cannot feel a pulse. However, this is not a cause for concern, but completely normal, since the heart support system generates a continuous flow of blood and the heart can only produce a small pulse wave.

Help in Times of Lack of Organ Donation:

Since March 7, 2014, artificial hearts have also been implanted regularly in Magdeburg. Currently, about 20 patients are treated with cardiac support systems every year.