Implantation of Durable VAD during COVID-19: An Epicenter Experience

Ventricular Assist Devices (VAD) serves as an advanced treatment modality for end stage systolic heart failure patients. Implantation of VAD requires a multidisciplinary team approach with in depth family meetings and education sessions to ensure a successful outcome. During the COVID-19 pandemic, multiple new barriers were identified to allow for traditional VAD implantation and post-operative care. Modifications to current processes needed to be developed to accommodate a safe and comprehensive plan. We describe a two patient experience of implantation of durable VAD from the initial United States epicenter area who underwent successful device therapy.