VAD Resources
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VAD Patients and Caregivers
In consideration of the health risks surrounding COVID-19, we have adjusted our LVAD education for caregivers to be primarily online. We ask that patients and caregivers carefully review the internet resources and forms below.Overview
A Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) is an internal heart pump used to treat heart failure.
The pump provides continuous blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta. It requires an external controller and batteries.
UR Medicine's Approach
Here are some of the tools we use to help inform and teach patients, family members and the community about heart pumps. If you have questions about LVAD therapy, please email vad@urmc.rochester.edu.
Patient and Caregiver - Evaluation for LVAD Implantation
In order to learn if LVAD therapy is right for you, we require the patient and their primary caregiver complete the following:
- Read: VAD Patient Pamphlet
- Watch: University of Colorado decision-aid video
- Read: LVAD decision-aid
- Review: Patient-centered website My LVAD
- Watch: Abbott HM3 Educational videos Chapters 1-17
Patient and Caregiver - Requirements for LVAD Implantation
- Review and sign: Strong Memorial Hospital VAD Patient and Caregiver Agreement
- Watch: LVAD Dressing video
- Watch: Safe Use of Blood Thinners video
- Review: Enrollment in Twistle™ with VAD Coordinator
Patient and Caregiver - Requirements for Discharge
- Watch: LVAD Dressing video
- Utilize: Dressing Checklist to help learn the process
- Watch: Abbott HM3 Educational videos Chapter 1-17
- Complete: HM3 Patient Caregiver Review and review answers with VAD coordinator
- Review the following forms in discharge binder:
Driveline Dressing Videos
Driveline Dressing Kit Videos
- Driveline Dressing Kits with CHG
- Driveline Dressing Kits with PVP
- Driveline Dressing Kits with Algidex Ag
Alternative Driveline Exit Site Dressings as Prescribed by Your VAD Team
How to Obtain a Doppler Blood Pressure
2022 HeartWare Alert
2021 HeartWare Recall
2019 HeartMate 3 MPU Recall
2018 HeartMate 3 Recall
What Sets Us Apart?
Strong Memorial Hospital is one of the busiest LVAD centers in the country and is known for long patient survival. Strong’s heart failure team was first to introduce LVADs to Upstate New York in 2001 and over the years specialists have used each generation of the devices to save patients’ lives.
The team’s size and experience attracts people from Northern New York, Albany, Buffalo and the Southern Tier and Pennsylvania to travel to Rochester for the specialized care.
Strong Memorial Hospital is among the top 10 centers in the country for volume.