Mechanical Circulatory Support Program
Left-Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD): This device supports the function of the left ventricle of the heart. The LVAD includes tubes to carry blood out of the heart and to the blood vessels. It has a power source and a control unit to monitor the device function. The device may be used to support the heart until it recovers, to support the heart while the patient waits for a heart transplant, or to help the heart work better if the patient is not eligible for a heart transplant. Since starting at University Hospital in 2017, University was the first and remains the only hospital in the region to offer this lifesaving procedure.
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO): This technique helps to support critically ill patients by providing artificial heart and lung support. This has been very helpful in saving patients with severe flu and cardiogenic shock.