Types of VADs VADs can be defined by the action that they perform. VADs can pump blood by a spinning action (continuous flow VAD) or by a pumping action (pulsatile flow VAD). Pulsatile Pulsatile flow VADs work by pumping blood in and out of a chamber. Air moves a membrane to fill and eject blood …
Discharge More information coming soon…
Daily Life and Safety More information coming soon…
After Surgery When you wake up from surgery, you will be in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Surgery will make you feel weak and sleepy. For these reasons, you will have a plastic tube in your mouth that will help you breathe. You will also have many special IVs, cables, and drains, which are needed …
Recovery Self Care When your breathing tube is out and you’re fully awake, this is when rehabilitation begins. Specially trained physical and occupational therapists will assist you in getting out of bed for the first time after surgery. Your care team will be there to support you every step of the way. Your cannula sites …
Preparing for Surgery Throughout your journey, your care team is there to support and guide you, as well as answer any questions or concerns you have. Before your surgery, doctors called anesthesiologists will visit you. They are responsible for keeping you asleep during surgery. You will not feel any pain while you are asleep. All you …
Risks There are also some risks associated with having a VAD, but your care team will work hard to keep you safe. Infection The soft cannulae come out of your belly and will need to be cleaned frequently. This is important because bacteria lives on your skin and may cause an infection at your cannula …
Benefits CentriMag™ and PediMag™ can be used to help a heart pump for many reasons. Depending on your situation, it may be used as: Bridge to Transplant: To support the heart until the best donor heart is available for transplant. Bridge to Recovery: To support the heart if there is a chance the heart will …
Device Components There are several parts within the CentriMag™ and PediMag™ systems. Cannula During VAD surgery, your heart surgeon will place cannulas that are special tubes made of a very soft silicone material. These soft cannulas will come out of your lower chest area just below your breastbone. Your heart has two pumping chambers, a …
Discharge As you recover from your surgery, there may be a period of time when you are required to stay near the hospital and have frequent clinic visits. Once the care team feels it’s safe for you to return home and go to school or work, multiple steps will occur to ensure your safety. Your …
