Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) therapy

Overview

Stanford offers a comprehensive set of treatments for heart failure and has a history of innovation in end stage heart failure, including advanced medical management, device implantation, heart transplantation, and mechanical circulatory support
- Stanford researchers developed the first Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD), leading to the first successful bridge to transplant implant in 1984

Stanford is one of the select institutions participating in the ADVANCE bridge to transplant trial

We offer both bridge to transplant and destination VAD Therapy, the latter when transplant is not the best option
Stanford is one of two destination therapy VAD programs in the Bay Area and one of seven in California

About VADs

A VAD is a surgically implanted device that helps the heart pump blood to the body
A VAD increases long-term survival, quality of life, and allows patients with heart failure to return home to an active lifestyle
It is appropriate for select patients with heart failure
Stanford utilizes both well studied VADs with excellent track records, and newer, promising VADs to support the needs of all types of patients
The full complement of temporary (percutaneous) VADs is also available at Stanford for emergent situations
Learn more about VADs at our VAD FAQ

Individualized Treatment

We have a specialized and dedicated VAD team consisting of medical and surgical physicians, nurse practitioners, dieticians, nurses, pharmacists, physical/occupational therapists, and social workers
The team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (please call 650-723-5468 to schedule an appointment)
Early and continued communication between referring cardiologists and our specialized heart failure team is a priority