They are classified in two groups: implantable (miniature) and paracorporeal ones.Recently, miniature and implantable ones are preferred for most of the patients.Although the surgical technique varies depending on features of the artificial heart assist device surgery, it lasts 4 to 6 hours in average, unless there is a complication.The pump stays in your chest cavity and it is directly connected to your heart.It pumps blood from left ventricle of your heart to the aorta (the greatest artery that carries blood from your heart to other parts of your body).
These patients should necessarily use blood thinners for lifetime and have blood tests at regular intervals to have their doctors modify the dose, if necessary.Functions of the heart pump are managed by a small external computer, called control unit.They are connected to each other with a small cable passing through the abdominal skin. The entire system is portable and weighs approximately 1.5 kg.
Artificial Heart Devices = Miniature Ventricular Assist Devices (VAD) are used mainly for patients with end-stage heart failure to achieve following outcomes.
- To help patients survive despite the progression of heart failure while waiting in the list for a heart transplant (Bridge to Heart Transplant)
- To help the patients survive in aggressive stages of diseases, which cause sudden-onset heart failure, but can be cured completely with medication treatment, such as myocarditis (Bridge to Recovery of Heart)
- To prolong survival and increase quality of life in patients who are not good candidates for heart transplant due to various factors (advanced age, severe diseases of kidneys and liver etc.) (Destination Therapy)
