VAD Transplant

A VAD or Ventricular Assist Device, is a mechanical pump that is inserted beside the heart to help pump blood when the heart is failing. These “mechanical hearts” are used in certain types of heart failure in some patients awaiting a heart transplant. They improve the patient’s health and quality of life, making heart transplant safer. In some cases they may be used as a “bridge” to keep a patient alive until a transplant is available. VADs are not suitable for all types of heart failure and will typically only be recommended by the heart team in special circumstances.