Surgeon Speaks

\u22The surgical options for treating advanced heart failure are continually evolving. In addition to the introduction of new devices, such as the SynCardia Total Artificial Heart, we’re finding new ways to manage patients previously thought untreatable. “For example, Jefferson is joining heart centers across the country in learning how to better select patients for the Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD). Historically, patients with heart failure had not explored surgical treatments until their condition had progressed significantly. Thus, most patients receiving the LVAD were quite sick. “Today, we’re discovering that if we can catch some patients earlier in the process, we can obtain better results. For certain patients, the LVAD pump can support a high quality of life. In fact, I’ve had patients who have traveled abroad with the pump and others who have able to get back to work just a few months after surgery.” John Entwistle, III, MD, PhD Surgical Director, Cardiac Transplantation and Mechanical Circulatory Support, and Associate Professor of Surgery To learn more visit: www.jeffersonhospital.org/cardiothoraci