Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs) are mechanical pumps designed to help your heart supply blood to the rest of your body. Living with a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) requires a reliable power source, as the device is battery-operated. While the LVAD and its battery typically weigh around five pounds, most patients adjust to the additional weight over time.

An Artificial heart, available at select hospitals, provides complete blood circulation throughout the body, offering a life-saving solution for those awaiting a heart transplant.

Some hospitals also offer Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO), a procedure that temporarily takes over the function of your heart and lungs, oxygenating your blood and removing carbon dioxide to support your body during a critical period.

Penn State Health offers Alive Therapy, a cutting-edge treatment that removes damaged heart tissue, enabling the heart to function more efficiently and improving overall heart health.