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 keep the VAD spinning. Because the continuous flow device bypasses the weakened heart chamber, you may not be able to feel your pulse.
Already have a HeartMate 3™ LVAD?
Want more information? Check out the HeartMate 3™ LVAD ACTION Patent Education Handbook.
¿Hablas Español? Aquí está la versión en Español.
Are you an ADULT with a HeartMate 3™ LVAD?
We created a patient handbook resource for information tailored to adults as well. See the HeartMate 3™ LVAD Adult ACTION Patent Education Handbook.
The goal of the VAD is to improve the way you feel. Learn more about how a VAD could improve your quality of life in the interactive below.
While VADs have been shown to help many patients, living with a VAD has its challenges. VAD patients must:
- take blood thinners and other medicines to help the heart
- make frequent visits to the doctor to make sure the VAD is working right
- have a caregiver who understands how the pump works
- change the bandages and clean the area where parts of the pump meet the skin
Learning about your VAD is an important part of getting you discharged and keeping you safe. Watch this video to learn more about how your device works.
Your care team will provide you with more in-depth training to prepare for the VAD quiz that you and your caregivers must complete before leaving the hospital.
Download our VAD-Venture iOS App for the HeartMate 3™ LVAD!
Check out our VAD-Venture Controller Change-Out simulation app for iOS. This simulation game is designed to help you practice changing out the HeartMate 3™ LVAD controller, in return helping you build the confidence needed to properly care for your device.
Don’t have iOS? Practice your skills here.
