Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute (Miller Family) Outcomes

Since 1989, Cleveland Clinic has been using ventricular assist devices to treat patients with advanced heart failure. These devices are used in both patients who are waiting for a heart transplant (bridge-to-transplant) and in patients who are not transplant candidates (destination therapy). Cleveland Clinic uses the latest available technology to deliver excellent outcomes.

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) is a national registry for patients with mechanical circulatory support devices. Compared to national averages, the survival rates for Cleveland Clinic LVAD (left ventricular assist device) patients are better than expected at 1 year, 3 years, and 4 years after implant.