LVAD/Mechanical Circulatory Support

Treatment options for advanced heart failure

If your heart failure becomes severe and your heart can no longer pump enough blood to support your body, your care team may talk with you about a treatment called a left ventricular assist device (LVAD).

What is an LVAD?

An LVAD is a small mechanical pump placed inside your chest to help your heart pump blood. A thin cord, called a driveline, connects the pump to a controller and power source, which are typically worn in a vest or crossbody bag.

At Nebraska Medicine, we use the HeartMate 3, the most advanced and trusted LVAD available today. It’s designed for long-term support, helping patients live longer with fewer complications. The HeartMate 3 offers smooth, steady blood flow and has been shown to reduce the risk of clots. Most of the device is implanted inside your body, making it both discreet and comfortable to wear.

Nebraska Medicine was part of the original clinical trial for this device, so our team has deep experience in using it and supporting patients through every step of care.

LVADs are often used in two ways:

•    Bridge to transplant: Helps patients stay healthy while they wait for a heart transplant.

Destination therapy: A long-term option for people who aren’t candidates for transplant.
 

Who might need an LVAD?

LVADs are used for people with end-stage heart failure, when other treatments haven’t worked.

Conditions that may lead to this include:
•    Coronary artery disease.
•    Cardiomyopathies.
•    Congenital heart disease.
•    Pulmonary hypertension.
•    Cancer-related heart disease.

Why choose Nebraska Medicine?

• We’ve implanted LVADs since 2007, and our doctors helped test the HeartMate 3 before it was widely available.
• We average 30+ implants per year, more than any other hospital in Nebraska.
• You’ll be cared for by a large team of heart experts like cardiologists, surgeons, nurses, and rehabilitation specialists.
• Our team is with you every step of the way: from evaluation to surgery to long-term follow-up.

We are one of the few Joint Commission-certified heart failure programs in the region. We are actively involved in research to improve outcomes and offer the most up-to-date treatment options.