A ventricular assist device (VAD) acts as a mechanical heart. A VAD can be implanted inside a patient's chest or worn in a pack around the patient's waist. Regardless of how it is used, a VAD literally keeps the heart pumping.
Not meant to replace the heart, a VAD helps the heart do its job or rest so that it can regain regular activity. According to WebMD, this can mean the difference between life and death for a person whose heart needs a rest after open-heart surgery, or for a person waiting for a heart transplant.
VAD patients are eligible for the same type of service and assistance that all transplant patients receive from the National Foundation for Transplants. Our fundraising guidance and support can be beneficial to patients using a VAD because they could one day face the need for a heart transplant. For more information, please visit our Web site or call 1-800-489-3863.
Have you had experience with a ventricular assist device? If so, please share your thoughts and stories in the comment section.
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