Regional leaders in heart transplant and VAD
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of heart failure and require advanced therapies for treatment, our team is here for you. Our multidisciplinary approach to patient care is driven by the expertise of many dedicated doctors, nurses and care teams. You are connected to cardiologists and surgeons at Ascension St. Vincent, where we provide care for more hearts than any other health system in Indiana. We have the largest heart transplant program and cardiac surgery program in the state. Your heart care starts by meeting with cardiovascular specialists with the expertise to diagnose, treat and manage advanced heart failure. Together, a team of doctors dedicated to your personalized heart care delivers advanced heart and vascular care with the goal of helping to improve your heart function and get you back to your life and family.
Heart surgeons at Ascension St. Vincent are part of a national team of doctors trained in the latest diagnostics and surgical techniques. Our doctors participate in clinical trials for ventricular assist devices (VAD) and transplants at Ascension St. Vincent Cardiovascular Research Institute. These research studies may help provide you with more advanced treatment options.If you want to learn more about other possible options, talk to your doctor. You may want to ask whether clinical trials are the right option for your care.
Heart care that is right for you
Every appointment starts with a conversation about how you are feeling, any new symptoms or concerns. Your doctor will provide a health evaluation to better understand your condition. Your care team includes a nurse coordinator who is with you every step of the way. Your coordinator guides you through your evaluation and tests, meets with your specialists, and works with your doctor on your care plan and post-surgery rehabilitation. Your care plan may include a VAD, a transplant or therapies to help manage your heart failure. In some cases, a VAD may be needed before a transplant.
Ventricular assist device (VAD) for heart failure
A ventricular assist device helps your heart temporarily or permanently pump blood throughout your body. A VAD may be recommended by your doctor if you are recovering from surgery, awaiting a heart transplant or unable to receive a heart transplant. The three types of VAD devices are:
- Biventricular assist device (BIVAD)
- Left ventricular assist device (LVAD)
- Right ventricular assist device (RVAD)
Receiving a VAD requires an open-heart surgery, followed by a stay in the hospital. Your multidisciplinary care team includes cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons, nurse coordinators, advanced practice doctors, pharmacists, dietitians, social workers, and more. After your surgery, your care team works with you and your caregivers to help you have an easier transition to your home, skilled nursing facility or rehabilitation care facility.
Heart transplant program in Indianapolis
You may need a heart transplant if your heart doesn’t respond to a VAD or medications. There are many factors that determine your acceptance as a heart transplant candidate, including, but not limited to:
- Active infections or cancer
- Height and weight
- Mental health
- Stage of heart failure
- Use of alcohol, tobacco, nicotine or other substances
- Other medical conditions
If you are a candidate for a heart transplant, you will be placed on the national waitlist through the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). Wait times can vary from a few months to years, depending on your size, blood typing, tissue typing and organ availability.
While you are waiting for your new heart, you and your care team stay connected with follow-up visits to monitor your heart health. Talk with your doctor about any new symptoms, your medications and diet while you prepare for your transplant.
Get a second opinion from a cardiologist
Get the confidence and peace of mind that your doctor and cardiovascular care plan are right for you. It's easy to get a second opinion at Ascension St. Vincent. We can review your medical records and healthcare history to answer your questions and discuss options. Talk with one of our doctors about a personalized heart care plan.
When you are facing a new diagnosis or are deciding on a surgical or medical treatment plan, there’s a lot to think about. If you are looking for a second opinion for advanced heart care, our cardiologists can also connect you with the right specialists for ventricular assist devices (VADs) and heart transplant. Our heart specialists can provide a second opinion, based on our experience and as part of a national care team.
Before your appointment, check with your insurance company to find out if a second opinion is covered. We can request your medical records on your behalf, so that they can be shared with your care team before your arrival.