Biventricular Assist Device (BiVAD)
A biventricular assist device (BiVAD) is an implantable pump designed to help the heart when both sides of the heart are failing. Under extreme circumstances, a person may need assistance in pumping blood from both the right and left ventricle. When a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and a right ventricular assist device (RVAD) are used in combination, it is called a BiVAD.
Who needs a BiVAD?
A person in severe heart failure may need a BiVAD. A BiVAD may be necessary to keep the heart working during or after heart surgery until recovery, as a bridge to transplant or a permanent treatment for heart failure.
What are the risks?
Major surgery increases the risk of blood clots forming during or after surgery. These clots can break free and result in a pulmonary embolism or a stroke. Other risks of this surgery include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Device failure
- Arrhythmia
- An infection in the heart tissue
- Kidney failure
