Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) Saves Woman’s Life, Twice

Researchers may have created a device that could save heart patients' lives

NASA had designed a unique type of motor that helps the heart pump blood throughout the body.

The device is called a ventricular assist device (VAD).

The device has proven to save lives. In one case, Heather McIntyre, a 27 year-old mother, actually died twice due to heart stoppage surgeons said.

In order to save her, they used the VAD device.

Now, the Scottish government launched a new heart failure strategy at the Golden Junilee National Hospital. The goal is to increase the awareness of the device, especially for individuals who may receive a heart or major organ transplant.

Some believe the device should only be used as a temporary solution, but if proper advances are made, it may be an effective long-term solution for heart patients. Additionally, the use of pacemakers and other expensive medications may be obsolete as well, if this treatment method becomes mainstream and well-accepted by health care professionals.

Thanks to this new device, many lives may be saved. In fact, lives may be able to be saved twice.