Heart Failure and the Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD)

Open Heart Risk Factors
As expected with such an invasive procedure there are many risks involved with the transplantation of the heart.  There are several conditions and factors that add to the failure of a successful transplant, these include:
  • Advanced age (over 70)
  • Decreased cerebral circulation
  • Irreversible renal, pulmonary or hepatic diseases
  • Previous history of cancer
  • Unwillingness of the patient to adhere to postoperative care and lifestyle