For patients not eligible for heart transplantation, Duke can offer mechanical cardiac support with a ventricular assist device (VAD). VADs are surgically implanted medical pumps that take over much of the work for the heart.
VADs may be used as a "bridge" to heart transplant, or as a primary treatment for advanced heart failure patients not eligible for heart transplantation (called "destination" therapy).
Duke is one of the most experienced institutions in the world in implantation and long-term management of these devices.
Duke was among the first hospitals nationwide and the first in North Carolina to receive approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to perform left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation as a destination therapy.
To qualify for CMS approval, centers had to meet strict criteria that includes VAD experience and demonstrated professional and facility quality performance metrics.
Duke has implanted more than 400 LVADs over the last decade for bridge-to-transplant indication and performed the first destination therapy LVAD implant in North Carolina.
In addition to having access to all the standard FDA-approved devices for destination therapy, Duke is involved in clinical trials testing the latest generation of devices that may offer superior durability and long-term results.
Make an appointment with a Duke heart specialist near you: 888-ASK-DUKE (888-275-3853)
Physicians offering this service include:
This service is available at:
Contact Us
|
Privacy Policy
