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Heart transplant and VAD
More people trust us for their heart care. See what makes Ascension St. Vincent in Indianapolis and Carmel a leader in advanced heart transplant and VAD care.
Heart transplant and VAD in Indianapolis
More people trust us for their heart care. See what makes Ascension St. Vincent in Indianapolis and Carmel a leader in advanced heart transplant and VAD care.
Why choose us
When you choose Ascension St. Vincent for your heart care, your doctor is part of the largest heart transplant program and cardiac surgery program in the state.
Understand ventricular assist device (VAD) for heart failure
A ventricular assist device (VAD) 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 are:
- Left ventricular assist device (LVAD)
- Biventricular assist device (BIVAD)
- 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, 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, a 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:
- Stage of heart failure
- Active infections or cancer
- Height and weight
- Substance use or abuse (including but not limited to alcohol, tobacco, nicotine or other substances)
- Other severe 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.
Symptoms of heart failure include:
- Belly (abdominal) swelling or stomach pain
- Disorientation, memory loss, or confusion
- Fluid retention
- Increased heart rate or fluttering heartbeats (palpitations)
- Nausea or loss of appetite
- Shortness of breath or coughing
- Tiredness (fatigue)
- Trouble sleeping
- Weight gain
How we diagnose heart failure
Your cardiologist may order blood work to diagnose and manage your heart condition.
This imaging procedure uses an X-ray machine and a computer to create 3-D pictures of the heart. Sometimes a dye is injected into a vein so that your heart arteries can also be seen. Sometimes medicine is given to lower your heart rate so it captures a better image. It can also be used to find out how much calcium is in your heart arteries. Calcium is a marker for coronary artery disease.
This procedure uses a combination of large magnets, radio waves, and a computer to make detailed images of organs and structures in your body. Your doctor may order an MRI of the heart to look at the heart valves and major vessels. It can also detect coronary artery disease and how much damage it has caused. It can also assess heart problems that have been present since birth. It can find tumors and other conditions. Your doctor may order this test before other procedures such as angioplasty or stenting of the coronary arteries and heart or vascular surgery.
This test records the electrical activity of the heart, shows abnormal rhythms (arrhythmias), and can sometimes detect heart muscle damage.
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.
How we treat heart failure
A VAD is a mechanical device used to help the pumping function for one or both of the heart's pumping chambers (ventricles). It may be needed when heart failure gets to the point that medicines and other treatments no longer work. A VAD can help someone's heart work when they are waiting for a heart transplant. Or when someone is waiting to see if they are a candidate for a transplant. A VAD can also be a permanent treatment.
Heart transplantation can improve survival, physical function, and quality of life for eligible patients with end-stage heart disease. You may need a heart transplant if your heart doesn't respond to medical therapy or a VAD.
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.
Treatment for heart failure may include medication, therapy, and surgery.
Clinical trials
Our doctors are committed to being leaders in cardiovascular research, working to help improve how we diagnose and treat heart and vascular diseases. You can talk to your cardiologist if you are interested in participating in clinical trials.
Patient education
Get detailed information about what to expect before and after your procedure. Learn how to prepare for your procedure with a guide from your cardiology and surgical team.
How to get care
To make an appointment, a referral should be made by your primary care doctor or another specialist. Once the referral is received and reviewed, you will be contacted to schedule an appointment with a cardiologist.
Get a second opinion
Decisions about your heart care are important. Getting a second opinion not only provides more information about your condition, but it can help you feel more confident in the doctor and the care plan you choose. Consider getting a second opinion if:
- Your diagnosis or prognosis is unclear
- You’ve been told you have a rare or life-threatening condition
- You would like to explore other treatment options
- Your treatment options are costly or risky
- You want to hear an opinion from another specialist
- Your insurance requires a second opinion
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, go directly to the ER or call 911.
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Miranda Wahnsiedler, MSN, BS, AGCNS-BC, RNC-OB, C-ONQS, was recognized by the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses for her dedication to the improvement of women’s health.
The new Lucas Family Brain and Spine Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent in Indianapolis, IN, was thoughtfully designed to promote healing and reduce anxiety through intentional choices, while honoring heritage and community.
The newly expanded Hilbert Pediatric Emergency Department at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital provides Central Indiana families with greater access to high-quality, specialized emergency care.
If incidents occur this Fourth of July, knowing where and when to get immediate and emergency care is important.
Ascension urgent care and orthopedic teams are here to help you manage your summer injury.
Ascension St. Vincent announces its new brain and spine hospital will be named Lucas Family Brain and Spine Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent. The name honors the donation from an Indianapolis family for their generosity and partnership.
The new Ascension St. Vincent Brain and Spine Hospital will be the premier destination for cranial and spine care, ensuring that Indiana families have access to the best care close to home.
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Brothers Mike and Steve Vandeveer undergo a minimally invasive heart surgery known as TAVR which helps shorten recovery time and reduce the risk of infection.