COMBATING CHALLENGES BY UPGRADING TECHNOLOGY STAR HOSPITALS PREVAILS FOR THE WELL BEING OF PEOPLE

Star Hospitals has always been at the forefront to adopt the latest innovations and sophisticated equipments in the field of medical science. The hospital is the centre of excellence for various specialities, particularly Cardiology. In this regard, Star Hospitals has organized a conference on 3rd August, 2019 to create awareness and shed light on Ventricular Assist Devices (VAD), the impeccable equipment which has transformed the arena of Cardiology. Advancement in technology has enabled mankind to experiment and achieve the extraordinary feats that were once seems to be impossible even to think about. Sophisticated machineries and high-end equipments have revolutionized the entire spectrum of healthcare industry. Ventricular Assist Devices (VAD) are one such incredible life-saving equipments which has been a boon to cardiac patients. Leading Cardiologists and Cardiothoracic Surgeons from Star Hospitals shared their valuable insights during the conference; other delegates from the medical fraternity also graced the event.

A Ventricular Assist Device (VAD), also known as a mechanical circulatory support device, is an implantable mechanical pump that helps pump blood from the lower chambers of the heart (the ventricles) to the rest of the body. VAD can help support the heart during or after surgery or while a patient is waiting for a heart transplant or even, a VAD can be a long-term solution to help the heart work better.

Broadly there are two types of VAD devices,

ï‚· Transcutaneous Ventricular Assist Device ï‚· Implantable Ventricular Assist Device

A Transcutaneous VAD has its pump and power source located outside of the body. Tubes connect the pump to the heart through small holes in the abdomen. This type of VAD may be used for short-term support during or after operation.

An Implantable VAD is supported by a battery and a cable that connects the internal unit and the external control unit which can be fixed as a belt to the abdomen. This type of VAD is used for the long-term assistance to the heart.

Star Hospital also held a profound clinical discussion on various other aspects of VAD such as what are the indicators of heart problems where VAD is required, how it is helpful to the patients and what are the recent advancements in the domain. The participants of the event thanked Star Hospitals for organizing and creating a proficient platform for such intellectual conversations.

The management of the Star Hospitals aims to organize many such insightful conferences in future to abridge the gap and provide holistic healthcare.