KEY POINTS
- Used to assist severe heart failure
- Approved for permanent use in patients who cannot get heart transplantation
- Approved as a bridge to help people until a donor heart is found
NEW OPTION FOR ADVANCED HEART FAILURE: HEARTMATE 3
FDA APPROVED HEARTMATE 3 IN 2017
The HeartMate 3 Left Ventricular Assist System (LVAS) is a heart pump system that helps the heart’s left ventricle (the main pumping chamber of the heart) deliver blood to all parts of the body. The device is used for heart failure patients whose hearts are unable to pump blood effectively. The HeartMate 3 LVAS is made up of a blood pump that is implanted inside the patient’s body and a pump controller with batteries that remains outside the patient’s body.