What is a Ventricular Assist Device (VAD)?
A ventricular assist device (VAD) can also be referred to as a mechanical circulatory support device. It is an implantable mechanical pump that helps move (pump) arterial and venous blood from the ventricles (which are the lower chambers of the heart) to the lungs as well as the rest of the body. This device is used to help patients with conditions such as heart failure or weakened hearts. The location of the VAD may be intracorporeal (i.e., within the body) or extracorporeal (i.e., outside the body). Most often, a VAD is placed in the left side (i.e., the left ventricle), but it can also be placed in only the right side, or both the right and left sides. The device is known as an “LVAD” when placed in the left ventricle. This device is often placed while a patient is waiting for a heart transplant. Thirteen (13) codes exist for VAD procedures. There are codes that may be used for placement and replacement (33975–33976, 33979), percutaneous placement (33995, 33990, 33991), removal of the entire device and cannulas (33977, 33978, 33980, 33992, 33997), replacement of a pump (33981–33983), and repositioning of a percutaneous VAD, right or left side (33983).
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