Heart failure occurs when the heart muscle is weakened and damaged by certain conditions or diseases. These conditions include coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, heart valve disorders, infections, or intrinsic problems with the heart muscle. If left untreated, the heart will eventually become so weak that it is unable to sustain life.
Surgery is an important part of the treatment of heart failure. Patients with coronary artery disease may require coronary artery bypass surgery to restore blood flow to the heart. Patients with leaking or narrowed heart valves may require valve repair or replacement to control blood flow through the heart. Surgical ablation is useful for patients with atrial fibrillation that is resistant to medications.
For patients with more severe or irreversible heart failure, mechanical circulatory support is utilized to assist the weakened heart. A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is surgically implanted to take over the work of the heart and deliver blood flow to the body. Certain patients may require heart transplantation.