1. Preparing the heart with the left-ventricle assistance de | Figure 1

MUSC Health

1. Preparing the heart with the left-ventricle assistance device LVAD/heart pump attachment.
2. Sewing the LVAD/heart pump attachment to the apex/tip of the heart.

LVAD does not replace the heart, but can be used as a “bridge to transplant” for patients waiting for a heart transplant. It can also serve as “destination therapy” for terminally ill patients not eligible for heart transplant.

MUSC Health Heart and Vascular

Similar cases

A first-in-human implantation of a novel membrane-based left ventricular assist device (LVAD) developed by CorWave was presented at HFSA 2025. The device uses a bioinspired pumping mechanism that produces physiologic, adaptive flow, and may lower complication rates. The 67-year-old patient with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy met the 30-day primary endpoint without adverse events, showed marked hemodynamic improvement, and later underwent successful heart transplantation. This early result suggests the CorWave LVAD offers effective support with strong initial safety and performance outcomes.

removal of heart with Heartmate II LVAD for a heart transplant!

64 yr old male. History of end stage CHF with LVAD. This is his 2nd LVAD due to drive line MRSA infection. JHH LVAD team did 2nd LVAD. MRSA boils lanced with reluctance. I'm seeing patient in his home. Circular wound on medial ABD. Left lateral torso very close to drive line. Wound vac with silver foam to wounds. On 1500 mg IV #Vancomycin. Heart transplant denied.

patient in late teens presenting after a collapse

• no chest pain
• no previous cardiac history
• no history of sudden death in family
• Are there any features in this EKG that would warrant further work-up or is this just a pediatric EKG?

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