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HeartMate 3
LVAD Therapy

A treatment for those with advanced heart failure

The Procedure

About the HeartMate 3 LVAD Procedure

If you and your doctor decide HeartMate 3™ LVAD therapy is the right choice for you, here are some things you can expect from the procedure:1

  • The LVAD is implanted by a trained heart surgeon in a hospital surgical procedure that lasts about 4-6 hours.2
  • During the surgery, your surgeon places the LVAD inside your chest. The surgeon then attaches it to the left ventricle of the heart and to the aorta (the main artery that carries blood from your heart to the rest of the body).
  • After the LVAD is in place, the surgeon passes a tube (the driveline) through the skin of your stomach area. Then she or he connects it to the controller and a power supply.
  • After surgery, you will be moved to a special room called the intensive care unit, or ICU. Here, your doctor and hospital staff can carefully monitor you. You may be in the ICU for a few days.
  • After your stay in the ICU, you will be moved to the heart unit for recovery. Your hospital stay can range from 2-4 weeks.
  • You and your caregiver will also learn about the care you’ll need after the surgery and how to live a full, active life with the HeartMate 3 LVAD.

Returning Home

After you are well enough to return home, you will have regular checkups with your LVAD care team. It’s important to follow your doctor’s directions for medicine, diet, weight, exercise and activities.

Your emotional health and that of your caregiver are also incredibly important. You both may benefit from joining an LVAD or heart failure support group. Here you can share experiences with other LVAD recipients. Ask your advanced heart failure center about finding a group in your area.

Live a More Active Life With an LVAD

Download our patient brochure for quick facts and helpful information about living with a HeartMate 3 LVAD.

Download the brochure

Take our Heart Failure Quiz

Take our Heart Failure Quiz. It may help you better describe to your doctor how heart failure is limiting your life.

Take the Quiz

Additional Information

These materials are not intended to replace your doctor’s advice or information. For any questions or concerns you may have regarding the medical procedures, devices and/or your personal health, please discuss these with your physician.

References

  1. Givertz M. Ventricular Assist Devices. Important information for patients and families. Circ Heart Failure. 2011;124:e305-e311.
  2. Cleveland Clinic. Left Ventricular Assist Devices (Mechanical Circulatory Support MCS). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17192-left-ventricular-assist-devices-mechanical-circulatory-support-mcs. Accessed on November 6, 2024.

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