Heart Assist Devices

HeartMate xVE

The HeartMate xVE is an electrical left ventricular assist device that sits under the muscles of the abdomen. It has an electrical cord that comes out of the controller and is battery driven. Patients can actually go home with this device. At USC, we have placed one of these devices in a 13-year old as well as in patients in their 60s.

This device is an effective alternative for older patients as well as those who are not candidates for heart transplant. And, in fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved the device as permanent support for end-stage heart failure patients who are not eligible for heart transplants.

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