Advanced options if other treatments fail to manage your condition

LVAD to Transplant

An LVAD gave Larry Lundy a second chance at life.

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Treatment for heart failure will vary based on what caused your condition and how severe it is. Your doctor may recommend surgery if other treatments have been unsuccessful or you are in an advanced stage of heart failure.

The surgeons in our Advanced Heart Failure Program are at the forefront of developing and testing new devices and surgical techniques to manage heart failure. We were one of the first in the world to implant a ventricular assist device and remain one of the busiest VAD implantation sites in the country. In addition, we were one of the first heart transplant programs in the region and continue to participate in major clinical trials and research to improve the procedure.

Types of heart failure surgery

We’ll discuss your surgical options and work with you to find the best surgical option for your condition:

  • Coronary artery bypass surgery: If you heart is failing due to blockages in the coronary arteries, we can use a healthy vessel from elsewhere in the body to restore normal blood flow by creating a detour around the blocked arteries.
  • Heart transplant: If your heart is severely diseased, your doctor may recommend that your old heart be replaced with a healthier one.
  • Heart valve surgery: Damaged or diseased heart valves can prevent your heart from getting enough blood. Your doctor may recommend surgery to repair or replace the affected valves.
  • Ventricular assist device (VAD): Mechanical pumps can be implanted in your abdomen to help your heart pump enough blood through your body. These pumps may be used as an alternative to a heart transplant.

After surgery, your doctor may recommend that you receive extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), an external pump to oxygenate your blood, which allows your heart time to rest.

Advanced Heart Failure Program

Partner with leaders in the field to manage and treat your heart failure and help you maximize your quality of life.

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Conditions

Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy is a disease that weakens or changes the structure of your heart muscle, which makes it difficult for your heart to fill with and pump blood.

Heart Failure

Heart failure occurs when your heart doesn’t fill with enough blood or doesn’t pump enough blood throughout your body.

Tests

Angiogram (Angiography)

An angiogram is a special X-ray taken as a special dye is injected through a thin, flexible tube called a catheter to detect blockages or aneurysms in blood vessels.

Chest X-ray

Chest X-rays use a small dose of radiation to create pictures of the structures inside the chest, including the lungs, heart and chest wall.

Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan

The cardiac computed tomography scan, or cardiac CT, uses X-rays to create three-dimensional images of your heart and blood vessels.

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of your heart.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

An electrocardiogram, also known as an ECG, measures the heart’s electrical activity.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic resonance imaging, better known as cardiac MRI, is a combination of radio waves, magnets and computer technology to create images of your heart and blood vessels.

Stress Tests

Stress tests are used to assess how your heart works during physical activity. There are several types of stress tests, including treadmill or bike stress tests, nuclear stress tests, stress echocardiograms and chemically induced stress tests.