Long-term ventricular assist devices (VAD) are designed for heart failure patients who are no longer responding to optimal medical management. Implanting a long-term VAD is considered major cardiac surgery, requiring cardiac rehabilitation and lifestyle changes after the procedure is completed.
The VAD Program at Heart Success uses this advanced form of surgical treatment in one of two ways:
Bridge to Transplantation
Typically, BTT patients are candidates for a heart transplant, but will inevitably grow weaker and sicker while awaiting an ideal donor organ. They receive a VAD to allow the heart to rest, heal and grow stronger before the stress of transplant surgery. Once the VAD is implanted, patients can return to their home and resume near-normal activities while awaiting a heart transplant.
Destination Therapy
Destination therapy is permanent, long-term treatment for patients who are ineligible for a heart transplant. When no other medical options exist, a VAD will be implanted.
Our program, part of Atlantic Health System Heart Care, treats both bridge to transplantation and destination therapy patients using the most advanced technology available, such as the St. Jude Medical Heartmate II® Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) and the Saint Jude Medical Centrimag®. The VAD Program at Morristown Medical Center will evaluate each patient’s needs and determine which treatment is most appropriate for him or her.
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