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Innovative Procedures
Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD)
ChristianaCare is the only health system in Delaware to offer LVAD.
What is LVAD?
There are only about 2,000 heart transplants a year in the United States. For those with heart failure who can’t get a transplant, there are few long-term options. One of those options is called LVAD, which stands for left-ventricular assist device.
ChristianaCare is the only health system in Delaware to offer LVAD, the most advanced treatment short of transplant for people with heart failure.
Read Miguel's LVAD success story.
Miguel Denizac with the team from the Heart Failure Program
Most Advanced Treatment Short of Transplant
People with advanced heart failure have often reached their maximum doses of medications and may have undergone coronary bypass or valve operations. For patients, the LVAD can represent a bridge to heart transplantation, a bridge to recovery or a destination therapy if transplantation is not an option.
After care and benefits
At least one support person must learn how to take care of the device and the patient, and must join the patient for weekly hospital visits after the surgery.
LVAD benefits include:
- Enables patients to participate in cardiac rehabilitation.
- Serves as a bridge to a heart transplant.
- Improves blood flow and activity level so that patients can lead more active lives.
Why Choose ChristianaCare
ChristianaCare’s Left Ventricular Assist Device Program (LVAD) was launched in 2011. LVAD is part of a comprehensive Heart Failure Program at the Center for Heart & Vascular Health that allows patients to receive tests, medications, stress management, nutrition counseling and other high-quality care without having to leave the state.
ChristianaCare is the only health system in Delaware to offer LVAD.
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Contact Us
The LVAD team is available to answer your questions.
For more information contact the LVAD coordinator at 855-VAD-CCHS (855-823-2247).
Current LVAD patients should press option 1, to make an appointment with a heart failure physician press option 2, if you would like more information on the LVAD program, press option 3.
Christiana Hospital
4755 Ogletown-Stanton Road
Newark, DE 19718
