Heart Failure Procedures
Procedures for heart failure include:
Valve repair or replacement
A variety of different replacement valves can be used: a mechanical valve made from metal and plastic, one made from human or animal tissue. Read more about aortic and mitral valve repair and replacement.
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)
A small tube - a catheter - with a tiny deflated balloon on the end is inserted through an incision in the groin area and pushed through to the diseased artery. Then the balloon is inflated to push open the artery. The balloon is removed once the artery has been fully opened. A stent may be placed during the procedure to keep the blood vessel open.
Coronary artery bypass
Coronary artery bypass surgery reroutes the blood supply around a blocked section of the artery. During this procedure, surgeons remove healthy blood vessels from another part of the body then surgically attach the vessels to the diseased artery in such a way that the blood can flow around the blocked section.
These devices are surgically placed and deliver pacing, or an electric countershock, to the heart when a life-threatening abnormal rhythm is detected.
Left ventricular assist device (LVAD)
The left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is a mechanical pump-type device that's surgically implanted. It helps maintain the pumping ability of a heart unable to effectively work on its own. This device is sometimes referred to as a "bridge to transplant."
Total Artificial Heart
In 2012, Sentara Heart Hospital became the first facility only facility in Hampton Roads to offer the SynCardia Total Artificial Heart, a life-saving bridge to keep the blood pumping and improve the quality of life for heart failure patients awaiting a donor heart transplant.
For some patients, a heart transplant may be necessary. Since 1989, Sentara Heart has helped more than 300 patients with donor transplantation that have gone on to lead happy and productive lives.