Ventricular Assist Devices (VAD)

Most people who need a VAD need it because they have heart failure that is no longer well controlled with medication. VADs can be used on the right side of the heart (RVAD), the left side (LVAD) or both (BiVAD). Phoenix Children’s Heart Surgery uses ventricular assist devices in innovative ways to treat patients who have highly complex needs.

VADs can be a lifesaving treatment option for heart transplant patients, keeping them stable and feeling better while waiting for a donor heart to become available. They help preserve the function of the kidneys, lungs and liver during late-stage heart failure by enabling the blood to circulate where needed. A VAD is also used as a bridge to recovery when a heart needs temporary support while it recovers from disease or injury.

Implanting a VAD requires heart surgery and several days or weeks in the hospital. Our team of experts includes a pediatric cardiovascular surgeon and a pediatric cardiac anesthesiologist who perform the surgery. After surgery, your child spends time in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) until they are stable and can move to a regular room for recovery, ongoing support, and treatment.

Your child’s doctor will outline your child’s care options and answer any questions you have about the procedure and its aftercare.

We know living with a VAD may have challenges. Our team of heart specialists will guide you through every aspect of your child’s care. We work with you and your child, offering the support and education you need to achieve the best possible result.

Our focus is on helping your child regain strength and grow healthy as they await heart transplant – and our approach gets results. Many children with a VAD become stronger and are better prepared for a heart transplant than before the procedure, with smoother recoveries and improved outcomes.