FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Heart Hospital of New Mexico at Lovelace Medical Center completes first LVAD procedure in New Mexico
ALBUQUERQUE- January 17, 2018 –The first ever left ventricular assist device, or LVAD, in New Mexico was implanted at Heart Hospital of New Mexico at Lovelace Medical Center by New Mexico Heart Institute cardiothoracic surgeon, Dana A. Booth, MS, MD.
An LVAD is a medical pump implanted inside the chest to help a weakened heart pump blood. It is used as a treatment for advanced heart failure after the heart has become damaged and cannot pump the blood necessary to reach all the organs of the body. Patients would previously have to travel out of state for this procedure, including to the University of Utah Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah, where they would stay for three months to recover, and then return to New Mexico Heart Institute for maintenance and follow-up care.
“The survival rates for LVADs approach 6 years, encroaching on the success of a heart transplant,” said Dr. Booth. “I’m very proud of our entire team for working tirelessly to get this program running. We are dedicated to helping our patients not just survive, but thrive.”
Dr. Booth and his team carefully select candidates for an LVAD implant to help ensure success for the patient. Patients have to change the batteries regularly and carefully care for the drive lines which exit the body externally. It’s important that patients have a strong support system at home and are diligent about coming in for follow-up visits to see their doctor.
“Our physicians and staff have the highest level of cardiovascular expertise at Heart Hospital of New Mexico at Lovelace Medical Center,” said Rachelle Spencer, administrator for the Heart Hospital of New Mexico at Lovelace Medical Center. “We strive to give our patients improved quality of life and are honored to be able to provide this care here at Lovelace.”
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) requires hospitals be certified by either the Joint Commission or DNV Healthcare, Inc to perform LVADs. Heart Hospital of New Mexico at Lovelace Medical Center has been accredited by DNV, demonstrating its expertise by undergoing the arduous process of accreditation, including building the infrastructure, process, protocols, and quality assurance necessary to support its LVAD program.
For more information on the LVAD procedure, please call 505.727.5503.
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Contact: Whitney Marquez, Lovelace Health System Phone: 505.727.5503
Lovelace Health System consists of Lovelace Medical Center, Lovelace UNM Rehabilitation Hospital, Lovelace Women’s Hospital, Lovelace Westside Hospital, Heart Hospital of New Mexico at Lovelace Medical Center, Lovelace Regional Hospital, and Lovelace Medical Group.