Mechanical Circulatory Support
"What is Mechanical Circulatory Support?"
Mechanical circulatory support involves the placement of a mechanical pump to support the heart and perform its essential functions when the heart becomes too weak to do so on its own. Whether the heart slowly becomes weaker or suffers an acute insult, such as a heart attack, at Westchester Medical Center we are at the forefront of mechanical assist devices. There are two types of mechanical assist pumps, temporary and long-term, implantable pumps (LVAD).
Temporary (Short term) pumps
Temporary pumps are used to stabilize critically ill patients, such as patients with a severe heart attack or severe heart failure. These pumps are often used as a "bridge-to-recovery," in situations when the heart recovers after a short term of support, and the device can be removed.
We specialize in the use of a variety of temporary pumps that support heart function. Two such devices are the intra-aortic balloon pump and the Impella device, which are generally placed by minimally invasive approaches. We are one of the few centers where these devices are placed so as to allow patients to sit up and walk.
Westchester Medical Center also has one of the most robust experiences in the nation with the next level of support: extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), which is a technology capable of supporting both heart and lung function. Our expertise with this technology has merited multiple publications in prestigious medical journals.
LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device) Implantable (long term) pumps
If medical therapy for heart failure does not yield significant improvements in symptoms and quality of life, with the possibility of extending survival, advanced therapies may be offered: these include Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) placement and/or cardiac transplantation.
An LVAD is a mechanical device that helps the heart pump blood when it is too weak to do so on its own. The LVAD pump is surgically implanted and is powered by external batteries. Patients with an LVAD are able to return home with more energy, less shortness of breath, and greater quality of life. At the forefront of LVAD technology, our program is a specialized center for utilizing the newest generation LVADs, including the HeartWare and HeartMate 3 centrifugal flow pumps. These new LVADs have superior outcomes to previous generations of LVAD’s.
For patients with advanced heart failure, LVAD’s may be used for various purposes. If heart function is expected to recover, but longer-term support is needed than can be achieved with a temporary device, an LVAD may be implanted to “bridge” that time span; this is called, “bridge to recovery.” An LVAD may be implanted to support a patient until they are able to receive a heart transplant; this is called "bridge to transplant." Alternatively, if a patient is unable receive a heart transplant, an LVAD may be implanted for permanent support; this is called, "destination therapy."
With a multidisciplinary team of cardiac surgeons, heart failure cardiologists, dedicated nurse practitioners and physician assistants, WMC provides individualized care as part of a comprehensive LVAD program. We implant LVAD’s via a minimally invasive approach, for suitable patients.
For additional information please call 914.493.8793
Our Address
Westchester Medical Center
Ambulatory Care Pavilion
100 Woods Road
Valhalla, NY 10595
Directions
By Car
By Train
Westchester Medical Center is served by Metro North's Harlem line via two stations:
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White Plains - Bus transfer options available
- Hawthorne - Taxi service available
For train fare and schedule information, call 1-800-METRO-INFO or go to www.mta.info/mnr .
By Bus
There are three bus lines (Westchester Bee Line) you can take to our campus. Please call 914.813.7777 for bus routes and fares.
Campus Map
The Westchester Medical Center campus includes the Maria Fareri Children's Hospital and the Behavioral Health Center.