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    Spring Survey 2012

    Benefits of Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs)

    Recorded on 10/14/2009
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    SPONSOR
    • Oregon Health & Science University

    PROGRAM DETAILS:

    If you have heart failure, the wait for a heart transplant can be long and risky. Luckily, new advances in Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs) are helping to replace the function of a failing heart. In this program, sponsored by Oregon Health and Science University, Dr. Howard Song along with his patient, a heart transplant recipient, discuss the role of ventricular assist devices in bridging the gap to transplant.

    Just a short time ago Dale Nye was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. When he learned that his only option for a good and lasting outcome was heart transplant, his doctors recommended a ventricular assist device to help his heart function properly during the wait for a new heart. Mr. Nye talks about how the device allowed him to lead a normal life and made a big difference in the way he felt. He also shares his transplant story and how he feels healthier today than he has in a long time.

    Dr. Song explains how the VAD functions, how it helps the heart to pump blood efficiently and increases the quality of life for those with heart failure. Dr. Song also explains what heart failure is and the genetic connection. He speaks of the technological advances being made with devices like a VAD and how it’s changing the landscape of treatment for many conditions. To quote Dr. Song “So it really is an exciting period of time for this field, and we expect that in the coming year or two we’ll be able to help more and more people with this kind of device.” If you or someone you know are looking to learn more about VADs, heart transplant or heart failure in general, this program provides a wealth of useful information.

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    EXPERTS & GUESTS:
    Howard K. Song, M.D., Ph.D. Howard K. Song, M.D., Ph.D.
    Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Oregon Health & Science University
    Dr. Song has been at OHSU since 2004. He completed his medical education and training at Stanford University, University of Pennsylvania, and Emory University. Dr. Song performs surgery for patients with all types of adult cardiovascular disease, including coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, heart failure, and aortic aneurysms. His special areas of clinical interest include off-pump coronary artery bypass,... more >

    Dale Nye,
    Heart Transplant Recipient
    Dale Nye is 52 years old. In May of 2009, he began having difficulty breathing and was diagnosed with congestive heart failure shortly thereafter. He was told that he would have to have a heart transplant and was put on a waiting list. In the meantime his doctors implanted a ventricular assist device (VAD) that used electricity to help his... more >

    TRANSCRIPT:

    1. Introduction LISTEN
    2. Dale’s Story LISTEN
    3. Bridge to Transplantation LISTEN
    4. Understanding Heart Failure LISTEN
    5. Treatment Using a Ventricular Assist Device LISTEN
    6. Listener Questions LISTEN
    7. Living with a VAD LISTEN
    8. Genetic and Lifestyle Factors that Contribute to CHF LISTEN
    9. Closing Comments LISTEN

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