Maimonides LVAD Program4802 Tenth Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11219
Map Link
Phone: (718) 283-5243
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Cardiothoracic Surgeon (718) 283-7686
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Director, Heart Failure Program; Assoc. Director, Clinical Cardiology & Coronary Care Unit (718) 283-7948
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Cardiothoracic Surgeon (718) 283-7686
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Getting Back to Your Life
Most patients who are referred for left ventricular assist device (LVAD) evaluation have been suffering from CHF for a long time. Usually, their ability to carry out normal activities has substantially declined. In fact, most people considering LVAD implantation cannot walk more than a block without shortness of breath, and have since given up many of the activities they once enjoyed.
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Meet the first LVAD patient in Brooklyn
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One of the most important benefits of LVAD surgery is that patients can return to most of their normal activities. People living with an LVAD can travel abroad, they can ride in trains and airplanes, and they can drive. Because an LVAD takes over function of the failing heart, patients are able to walk for longer distances, climb stairs, and perform many other physical activities which would have previously been impossible. As with most major surgeries, however, some lifestyle adjustments are necessary, though most patients find those changes to be relatively minor. The biggest adjustment patients must make has to do with keeping their LVAD connected to electrical power.
When patients are awake, the controller is connected to batteries which supply power. These batteries are small and usually worn in a vest or a type of holster. When patients go to sleep, they plug the controller into a power supply connected to a standard wall outlet. Each pair of batteries lasts approximately 8-10 hours, so many patients will only have to change over when they wake up and when they go to sleep.
Since there is a “driveline” exiting the patient, that site needs to be kept clean and covered with a simple dressing, which needs to be changed every two to three days. Also, as the “driveline” contains electrical components, patients cannot fully immerse themselves in water. However, patients with an LVAD can shower.
LVAD patients will need to stay in close contact with their VAD team (physicians and coordinator) in order to ensure good follow-up care and to coordinate their care with their existing doctors. Our LVAD Team works closely with patients and their families to ensure that our patients can return to their rich, fulfilling lives.