The heart comprises numerous muscles that contribute to the proper blood circulation throughout the body. The heart is a fragile organ that must be highly cared for. Before implanting a ventricular assist device, one must adequately understand it.
This article will cover the benefits and costs of the right and left ventricular assist devices.
What is a Ventricular Assist Device?
A ventricular assist device is a mechanical pump that helps pump blood from ventricles (lower heart chambers) to other organs. It is a blessing of mechanical advancement that has gifted precious lives to patients even after complete heart failure.
Types of Ventricular Assist Devices
There are two types of ventricular assist devices, LVAD and RVAD. There is also a third type called the BIVAD, a combination of both right and left devices.
Left Ventricular Assist Device
The left ventricular assist device is VAD helping the heart's left ventricle to pump blood. The blood through the left ventricle is supplied to the body, and the device can be used long-term, usually more than a decade. It gives 13-15 years of life to a patient suffering from various incurable heart diseases.
Right Ventricular Assist Device
The right ventricular assist device is VAD helping the right ventricle of the heart carry the blood to the lungs for oxygenation. The device is used on a short term basis, in cases like bypass or open-heart surgery or to assist the weak heart in recovery periods only.
Benefits of Ventricular Assist Device
The ventricular assist device has both short term and long term benefits like-
- The left ventricular assist device works as a life saviour for patients who cannot undergo heart transplantation surgery.
- The devices can be used to bring the heart's function back to normal.
- The device helps in circulating blood to targeted organs for proper functioning.
- Assists patients with advanced heart failure
Both right and left ventricular assist devices are helpful, but LVAD is preferred for its long-term benefits. When placed in the left ventricle, it carries the blood to various organs via the aorta. In comparison, the RVAD carries the blood for orientation to the lungs via the pulmonary artery.
What is the cost of the device in India?
The left ventricular assist device cost in India ranges between Rs. 45 lakhs – Rs. 90 lakhs. If a patient goes for LVAD, then there can be additional Rs. 20,000 – Rs. 30,000 medicine charges for the rest of their life as it is implanted for the long term.
Generally, this device shows positive results and long term benefits in the respective patients. It is suggested to book an appointment with an expert to discuss if the device will work well for you or not.
