Some models of the VAD require patients to remain connected to a bedside console and power unit. However, intermediate and long-term VADs often allow patients to go back to a more natural lifestyle after being cleared by their physician. They will need to make sure they are carrying battery packs, either at the waist or in a shoulder harness (which should not interfere with clothing). Some patients may also need to plug a cord from the device in their body into an electrical outlet at night.

Researchers are exploring the possibility of a VAD that could be fully implantable and, ideally, permanent. A permanent device could eliminate the need for a heart transplant, which in turn could reduce the number of patients who die while waiting for a transplant. Less than 2,000 donor hearts become available each year. Other ventricular assist devices are designed to function as a rotary pump, keeping blood circulating continuously rather than following the heart’s natural “lub-dub” pattern of alternately pumping and resting.

There is currently one pediatric VAD approved for use in children 5 to 16 years of age. It is designed for children with severe left ventricular heart failure who are awaiting a donor heart. The VAD may allow these children to survive until they can undergo heart transplant surgery. Without the VAD, many children would die waiting for a donor heart. There are no implantable devices currently on the market for use in children.