What Surgical Procedures are Used to Treat Heart Failure?
Surgery is aimed at stopping further damage to the heart and improving the heart’s function. Procedures used include: • Implantable left ventricular assist device (LVAD). The LVAD is known as the “bridge to transplantation” for patients who haven’t responded to other treatments and are hospitalized with severe systolic heart failure. This device helps your heart pump blood throughout your body. It allows you to be mobile, sometimes returning home to await a heart transplant. It may also be used as destination therapy for long-term support in patients who are not eligible for transplant. • Coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. The most common surgery for heart failure is bypass surgery. Your doctor will determine if your heart failure is caused by coronary artery disease and if you have blockages that can be bypassed. Although surgery is more risky for people with heart failure, new strategies before, during and after surgery have reduced the risks and improved outcomes. • Heart valv
