What are the Pros and Cons of Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD)?

Hello @melhen,

Here is a bit more about the ventricular assist device from Mayo Clinic:

"Ventricular Assist Device"
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/ventricular-assist-device/about/pac-20384529
It states, "A VAD is most often placed in the left lower heart chamber, called the left ventricle. When placed in this location, it's called a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). This article focuses on LVADs. Current LVADs send a constant flow of blood from the heart to the body. They also are called continuous flow devices. Getting an LVAD often requires open-heart surgery and has serious risks. However, an LVAD can be lifesaving if you have severe heart failure."

As you are probably aware, the pros and cons of this procedure involve risk on both sides. @melhen, if you are comfortable sharing, have you been instructed that you may need an LVAD? It is often a choice when facing heart failure where your choice between the open-heart surgery or complications of heart failure both weigh heavy. How are you handling this difficult decision?

My sister had a LVAD placed @ Strong Memorial in Rochester NY in 2014. They didn't know what caused her severe heart failure @ age 54, but her EF was 10%. It was an interesting journey for her & her 6 siblings. Thank goodness my sister Barb helped her navigate the recovery, she would change the drive line dressing weekly. She suffered a couple of strokes afterwards which affected her ability to drive. She really suffered those 2 years before passing at age 56. I miss her daily.