Children waiting for a heart transplant can be supported on this device for many months until a donor heart is found.
In some cases, where it is felt the heart may recover, the VAD can be used for as long as it is needed.
How does the VAD work?
A VAD takes over your child’s heart function when their heart is too weak to pump sufficient blood around the body.
The VAD takes over the pumping function of the heart until a suitable donor heart can be found.
In some cases, where it is felt the heart may recover, the VAD can be used for as long as it is needed.
Your child may need a single pump to support the left side of the heart whilst the right side continues to work naturally. This is known as a Left ventricular Assist Device.
How is a VAD fitted?
In order to fit a VAD, your child will need to have an operation.
In order for your child to have the Berlin heart implanted, they will need to have an operation. This will be explained to you in greater detail by the surgeons and the anaesthetic team. The operation involves inserting the cannulae in to the heart and main artery.
After surgery, your child will be cared for on the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit.
