Device Components
The equipment is life-saving and managing it may feel overwhelming. However, learning how each of the pieces work together will help you feel more comfortable in your daily journey.
1 VAD
The HeartMate 3™ LVAD is placed inside your chest. The outflow graft is a flexible tube that connects the outflow of the HeartMate 3™ LVAD to the aorta. It helps carry the blood from the pump to the rest of the body. The inside of the pump has a rotor that spins continuously and can distribute up to 10 liters of blood per minute (L/min).
2 Driveline
The driveline is made of electrical wires that connect the HeartMate 3™ LVAD to the system controller. The driveline has two important functions in order to make the device work properly. First, the driveline brings power to the HeartMate 3™ LVAD to make the pump spin. If the driveline is ever disconnected from the system controller your HeartMate 3™ LVAD will stop working. Secondly, the driveline sends important information back and forth between the LVAD (inside the heart) and the system controller.
3 System Monitor
You will only be plugged into the monitor when you are in the hospital or in clinic. The monitor tells your care team how your device is working so they can make any adjustments needed.
4 System Controller
There is a port where the driveline enters the controller and transfers power and information. The controller provides power to the pump, and the pump sends vital information back about how the pump is working.
To learn more about your HeartMate 3™ LVAD equipment watch the Equipment interactive below.
Pump Parameters
There are many numbers that you will want to know about. The RPM, or rotations per minute, is set by your care team. The other numbers are calculated but will tell the team a lot about how you are doing. Watch the interactive below to learn more.
Download PDF
To learn more about alarms and troubleshooting, reference your ACTION HeartMate 3™ LVAD Patient Education Handbook, or the HeartMate 3™ Left Ventricular Assist System Patient Handbook given to you on or before your surgery or watch the Learning Alarms & Troubleshooting interactive below.
5 Electrical Power
You must avoid being away from electricity for a long period of time.
- Mobile Power Unit/Wall Charger: While you are sleeping, you may use this device to power your VAD. It is plugged into the wall.
- Batteries: A pair of batteries can power a device for at least 10 to 17 hours.
- Battery Charger: The battery charger dock is a charging station for the batteries.
