Mechanical Circulatory Support Program

Left-Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD): This device supports the function of the left ventricle of the heart. The LVAD includes tubes to carry blood out of the heart and to the blood vessels. It has a power source and a control unit to monitor the device function. The device may be used to support the heart until it recovers, to support the heart while the patient waits for a heart transplant, or to help the heart work better if the patient is not eligible for a heart transplant. Since starting at Piedmont Augusta Hospital in 2017, Piedmont Augusta was the first and remains the only hospital in the region to offer this lifesaving procedure.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO): This technique helps to support critically ill patients by providing artificial heart and lung support. This has been very helpful in saving patients with severe flu and cardiogenic shock.