Heart Mate II
The Heart Mate II pump is implanted below the heart. One end of the pump connects to the left ventricle and the other end connects to the aorta (the large artery that takes blood from the heart to the rest of the body). It works by pumping blood by continuous flow from the left ventricle to the aorta.
A cable (also called driveline) then passes from the device through the skin on your abdomen to a controller, a small external computer. The controller runs the pump and provides messages and alarms to help you operate the system. The controller is powered by two batteries when you are mobile. The controller requires two power sources to be connected at all times. Two batteries will provide 10-14 hours of power. When the batteries are low on power, they will need to be replaced. You will have extra batteries and a battery charger. You will also have a Mobile Power Unit to connect to wall power.
Watch the videos to the right to learn about the controller, alarms, and step by step how to change your controller and batteries.
Video reproduced with permission of St. Jude Medical ©2018, all rights reserved.
Reviewed: 06/18
Heart Mate III
The Heart Mate III is a ventricular assist device (VAD) or pump. One end of the pump connects to the left ventricle and the other end connects to the aorta (the large artery that takes blood from the heart to the rest of the body). It works by pumping blood by from the left ventricle to the aorta and out to the rest of the body.
A tube (called driveline) passes from the device through the skin on your abdomen. The driveline includes two cables:
- The pump cable – connects to the LVAD and exits your body
- The modular cable – connects from the pump cable to the controller, a small external computer.
The controller checks and controls the pump; and provides messages and alarms to help you operate the system.
Watch the videos to the right to learn about the controller, alarms, emergencies, steps to change your controller and batteries, and important tips and information about your Heartmate III.
Video reproduced with permission of St. Jude Medical ©2018, all rights reserved.
HeartWare
The HeartWare Ventricular Assist Device is attached to the left ventricle. A tube goes from the device to the aorta (the large artery that takes blood from the heart to the rest of the body. It works by pumping blood by continuous flow from the left ventricle to the aorta.
A cable (also called driveline) then passes from the device through the skin on your abdomen to a controller, a small external computer. The controller runs the pump and provides messages and alarms to help you operate the system.
Watch the video to the right to learn about the controller, alarms, and step by step how to change your controller and batteries.
Video Courtesy of Medtronic, 2018.
Dressing Change
These videos will show you how to do two types of dressing changes:
- Daily Dressing Change
- Twice Weekly Dressing Change
You will be given kits that will include everything you will need to perform these dressing changes.
If you have any questions, ask your VAD care team.
