Army Hospital (Research & Referral), Delhi Cantt, has successfully performed India’s first-ever Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) implantation using the HeartMate 3 device within a government institution, marking a historic milestone for the Armed Forces Medical Services. The procedure was carried out on a 49-year-old woman, the wife of an Armed Forces veteran, who had been on the waiting list for a heart transplant for more than two years.
The HeartMate 3 LVAD, a state-of-the-art device, functions as a ‘mechanical heart,’ offering life-saving support for patients with end-stage heart failure. This advanced technology significantly improves heart function, providing new hope for patients with severe cardiac conditions.
Currently, the patient is steadily recovering under careful medical supervision, demonstrating the success of effective teamwork. This groundbreaking achievement underscores Army Hospital (R&R)’s commitment to excellence in medical care and solidifies its reputation as a leader in providing advanced healthcare services.
What is LVAD?
A Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) is a mechanical pump used to support patients with end-stage heart failure. The LVAD is surgically implanted and battery-operated, assisting the left ventricle (the heart’s main pumping chamber) in circulating blood throughout the body. LVADs can serve two primary purposes:
- Bridge-to-Transplant Therapy: This life-saving treatment is for patients waiting for a heart transplant. The LVAD supports the heart until a donor organ becomes available. In some cases, the LVAD can help restore heart function, potentially eliminating the need for a transplant.
- Destination Therapy: For patients who are not eligible for a heart transplant, an LVAD can provide long-term support, enhancing and prolonging their lives.
Heart Mate 3 LVAD uses:
The HeartMate 3 Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) is a mechanical circulatory support system designed for patients suffering from advanced heart failure. Offering significantly improved outcomes and survival rates comparable to heart transplantation at both 2 and 5 years, the HeartMate 3 LVAD technology is paving the way for a brighter future for those with severe heart failure. It has set a new benchmark in LVAD therapy with innovative features and exceptional clinical results.
Equipped with Full MagLev Flow Technology, the HeartMate 3 LVAD ensures smooth blood flow, reducing complications and minimizing adverse events related to blood compatibility.
The HeartMate 3 LVAD with Full MagLev Flow Technology provides:
- A fully levitated, self-aligning rotor, eliminating the need for hydrodynamic or mechanical bearings.
- Large, steady blood flow pathways, which help minimize shear stress.
- Intrinsic pulsatility that reduces blood stagnation and minimizes the risk of clot formation.
