Introduction
The heart plays a crucial role by circulating blood throughout the heart. In some individuals, the functioning of the heart could be impaired due to various reasons. This can be treated by implanting ventricular assist devices and artificial hearts. They act as a temporary heart and perform most functions and circulate blood throughout the body. It has been an extremely helpful device in recent times to restore heart functions.
What Are Ventricular Assist Devices and an Artificial Heart?
A mechanical device that provides circulatory support to the heart by pumping blood is called a ventricular circulatory device. This device may be implanted in either the right or left ventricle, or sometimes both. However, it is frequently implanted in the left ventricle. The device ensures constant blood flow to the heart. The device is extremely useful in individuals who have higher chances of heart failure. Similar to the ventricular assist device, an artificial heart circulates blood and also oxygen for the proper functioning of cells in the body.
An artificial heart is of two types:
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Mechanical heart.
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Heart-lung machine.
When Is the Ventricular Assist Device Used?
The doctor may recommend a ventricular assist device, depending on the working condition of the heart, to improve the functionality and ensure a long life. Some conditions in which ventricular assist devices are recommended include the following.
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If an individual has been recommended for a heart transplant during the time span of the surgery or while waiting for the donor's heart, this device is recommended. It keeps pumping blood to other organs and ensures proper blood circulation for better functioning of organs. Once the patient receives a donor's heart, the device is removed during surgery and replaced with an artificial heart.
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If any individual is unable to undergo a heart transplant surgery due to the risk factors and age of an individual, this device is the recommended treatment of choice as it performs every function as a regular heart. This type of treatment in which the device is permanently placed in the heart is called destination therapy. Very rarely, the device may improve overall health, thereby aiding in heart transplant surgery.
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In patients with temporary heart failure, implanting this device will constantly pump blood until the heart is healthy enough to function independently.
What Are the Factors Influencing Ventricular Assist Devices?
The factors on which the ventricular assist device is recommended are listed below.
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The severity of heart failure in an individual.
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Co-existence of other medical conditions.
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The efficiency of the pumping chambers of the heart.
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If the individual is able to take blood thinners safely.
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The mental health of an individual and the ability to take care of the device.
What Are the Risks Involved in Ventricular Assist Devices?
The risks and complications of implanting a ventricular assist device include:
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Blood Clots - A clot may form as the blood moves through the ventricular assist device. It may slowly block the blood flow resulting in heart attack and stroke.
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Infection - Usually, the power supply to the ventricular assist device is located outside the heart through a wire via a small opening in the skin; there are chances of infection that may mostly target the blood.
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Bleeding - A surgery is done to implant the device. Any such surgery may increase the risk of bleeding.
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Right Heart Failure - If the ventricular assist device is implanted in the left ventricle, the left side of the heart may pump more blood than usual. Hence, the right ventricle may be unable to manage more blood as it may become weak with time. A temporary pump may be required for the right ventricle. Proper medication and therapy can improve blood circulation in the heart.
What Are the Food and Medications to Be Followed?
A diet chart will be prepared to cater to the individual’s needs, and the patient is supposed to be on a strict diet before the surgery. The doctor may review the current medical history and the medications to understand the overall effects on the health. Hence it is important to take all the medications when visiting a doctor. Also, inform the doctor if there are any risks of allergies pertaining to specific medications to avoid complications.
What Is the Procedure Followed During Ventricular Assist Devices?
The procedures to be followed during a ventricular assist device implantation can be categorized as before surgery, during surgery, and after surgery.
1. Before Surgery: The doctor may advise various tests and screening to understand the condition of the heart before proceeding with the surgery. These tests may be a combination of blood tests and imaging techniques to visualize the heart. Some of the commonly undertaken tests are mentioned below
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Blood tests.
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Chest X-ray.
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Cardiac catheterization.
2. During Surgery: The surgery is performed under the guidance of a surgeon. It is usually an open heart surgery. It is done under anesthesia, so there is barely any pain felt by the individual. A ventilator is connected to the patient to help with breathing through the surgery. An incision is made in the chest to separate the chest bone for a better view, and the device is placed. The various parts of the device are connected to the adjacent structures to help with better heart function. As the heart accepts the device and the body functions normally, any additional support will be removed.
3. After Surgery: After surgery, the patient is monitored in the intensive care unit to evaluate the functions of the heart and prevent any complications. The patient is given intravenous fluids, and tubes may be connected to the bladder to check the urine output. Antibiotics are prescribed to prevent any infections.
Conclusion
A ventricular assist device and an artificial heart have been major life changers for most individuals. It helps to maintain the functions of the heart and prolongs the lifetime of an individual. Several considerations are taken into account before the surgery to ensure the individual can make the best use of the device. Frequent follow-ups are required to monitor the overall health of an individual. Good teamwork and cooperation of the patients can help in the success of the treatment.
