New VAD’s Offer Continuous Flow Mechanical Circulation for Transplant Patients

When patients are awaiting a heart transplant, a mechanical circulatory support system is an excellent way to improve outcomes, lower costs and increase their chance for survival. Recent research shows that continuous flow Ventricle Assist Devices (VADs) are among many new advances in medical equipment that will saves improve clinical outcomes for patients with severe heart disease.

According to the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation, heart pumps (also known as VADs) can be used to either partially or fully replace heart functions. They do this by restoring a healthy flow of blood throughout the body in a patient whose heart has been seriously weakened.

How are these new pumps different than previous VADs?

First of all, this revolutionary medical equipment device is designed to provide a continuous flow of blood instead of a flow that is administered in pulses. While earlier VADs mimicked the pulse of a beating heart, they were often associated with complications during implant surgery, these newer continuous flow VADs have not shown to increase complications after a heart transplant.

Recent research from the University Medical center in Salt Lake City showed a marked improvement in patients tested between 2004 and 2008. The report illustrates improvements in post-transplant survival rates when patients were given a continuous flow VAD instead of a pulsatile device. According to the study, when a continuous flow pump was used, patients’ overall improvement rate after surgery was 30% higher than those who used pulsatile flow technology.

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