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Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD)

MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, in partnership with MercyOne Iowa Heart Center, is the only hospital in central Iowa offering LVAD therapy. Contact our LVAD coordinator at (515) 633-3770 for more information.

What is an LVAD?

An LVAD is a mechanical heart pump that helps circulate blood when the heart is too weak to do so on its own. It’s often used for patients with advanced heart failure.

Our LVAD program

The LVAD program at MercyOne Iowa Heart Center provides outstanding patient-centered care for people with advanced heart failure. Our LVAD team includes expert surgeons, cardiologists, nurse coordinators and rehabilitation specialists—all focused on giving you personalized, compassionate care.

Learn more about our Advanced Heart Failure Clinic

Evaluation process  

Before surgery, you’ll undergo a thorough evaluation including:

  • Blood tests and imaging. (Echo, EKG, CT, etc.)
  • Cardiac catheterization.
  • Consults with social work and palliative care professionals.
  • Routine health screenings.
  • Any other testing based on your individual care plan.

Your results will help the team decide if an LVAD is the best choice for you. LVADs may be used as:

  • Destination therapy – long-term support
  • Bridge-to-transplant – temporary support while awaiting a heart transplant

If a transplant is a suitable, long-term goal, the LVAD team will refer you to a heart transplant program. MercyOne Iowa Heart Center has excellent working relationships with many neighboring heart transplant centers and will work with these partners to provide the best approach for you.

LVAD surgery and recovery

  • The LVAD is surgically connected to the heart and aorta to improve blood flow.  
  • The pump supplements blood flow and restores strong circulation throughout the body, enabling you to breathe more easily and feel less fatigued.
  • Watch how LVAD placement works: LVAD Surgery Video

Recovery includes:

  • Two to three weeks in the hospital. (including a stay in the Intensive Care Unit)
  • Full recovery in three to six months.
  • Physical and occupational therapy.
  • Home health support.

Each patient recovers at their own pace. The LVAD team at MercyOne will tailor treatment to your needs.

Living with an LVAD

  • An LVAD requires a constant power supply and regular follow-up care. You and your caregivers will receive specialized training to manage the device safely.
  • Benefits of an LVAD include improved symptoms and quality of life. Risks may include stroke, infection or bleeding.
  • After surgery, you’re seen often by the LVAD team, weekly at first and then every three months as you heal. You’ll receive ongoing care from the LVAD coordinator and LVAD physicians
  • MercyOne also offers quarterly support groups for patients and caregivers.
  • You’ll need physical and occupational therapy, and possibly a stay in an acute rehab hospital.
  • Home Health nurse visits help with wound care and medication management.

One point of contact with 24/7 support

Our LVAD coordinator is your one point of contact for coordinating visits and answering questions. Your coordinator will walk you through every step of the process, from pre-surgery to your recovery at home. You can call any time to speak to your coordinator or another team member if you have questions or concerns. For more information, reach out to the LVAD coordinator at 515-633-3770.