Module 3

Heartmate Overview

Your HeartMate 3™ LVAD will work by continuously spinning blood from the weak part of the heart, through the device, out to the aorta, and the rest of the body. There is a small rotor located inside the VAD that helps with this spinning motion. The pump is always connected to a controller and requires a power source to …

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SynCardia Overview

The SynCardia Total Artificial Heart (TAH-t) is different from the other VADs because it replaces the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles) and the four valves. The TAH-t pumps blood to both the lungs and body. Two tubes (cannulae) come out of the skin and connect to an external machine called a driver. The driver supplies pulses …

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VADs Types

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). Download English Download Spanish VAD Decision Aid Booklet Check out this pediatric version of the IDecide VAD decision aid booklet. This booklet was …

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VADs Overview

What Are VADs? VAD stands for “Ventricular Assist Device.” A VAD is a pump surgically placed in a sick or weak heart to help deliver blood to the body. Children may need a VAD because they are born with a heart problem or because one develops over time. Children with heart failure often have symptoms …

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