A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is a treatment option for patients with end-stage heart failure, and the device is implanted to help the heart’s left ventricle (major pumping chamber of the heart) pump blood throughout the body. The LVAD can be used two ways: 1) helping transplant-eligible patients survive until a donor heart becomes available, and 2) providing long-term support in patients who are not candidates for transplant. Walter DeNino, MD, Maine Medical Partners – Cardiovascular Surgery, and Samuel Coffin, Maine Medical Partners – MaineHealth Cardiology, share insights how the LVAD is providing quality of life changes for patients with the most complex heart issues.
