Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) and Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS)

Top-ranked Scripps LVAD surgery in San Diego

A male doctor and female nurse care for a mature female heart patient, representing LVAD and MCS at Scripps Health.

Dr. Sam Baradarian, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Scripps Health

Top-ranked Scripps LVAD surgery in San Diego

Scripps offers patients access to advanced mechanical circulatory support (MCS) options, including left ventricular assist device implants (LVAD), for the treatment of heart failure by the region’s top cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons.


The Scripps LVAD program has earned the highest accreditation from The Joint Commission with the Gold Seal of Approval and Advanced Certification. Scripps is also ranked among the best in nation for cardiology and heart surgery by U.S. News & World Report.

Learn about types of heart pumps and LVAD surgery below. You’ll also learn answers to common questions on our FAQ page.

What is an LVAD?

A left ventricular assist device, or LVAD, is a type of mechanical circulatory support device. It works by pumping oxygen-rich blood from the heart’s left ventricle to the aorta, through which it circulates throughout the body.

Types of mechanical circulatory support devices

Scripps offers several short-term and long-term heart pumps for people with advanced heart failure and cardiogenic shock. These include:


  • Heartmate 3 — The only long-term LVAD approved by the FDA. It is a continuous flow, centrifugal pump implanted into the left ventricle. Can be used as bridge to transplant or destination therapy
  • Impella (CP, 5.5, RP) — A suite of temporary devices that can be placed in a minimally invasive procedure in the cardiac cath lab. The patient stays in the hospital while this device is in.
  • Tandem Heart — A temporary device that can be placed in a minimally invasive procedure in the cardiac cath lab. The patient stays in the hospital while the device is in.
  • ProtekDuo — A temporary device that can be placed in a minimally invasive procedure in the cardiac cath lab. The patient stays in the hospital while the device is in. 
  • Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) — A temporary pump that provides both circulatory support and oxygenation for patient in shock. Learn more about ECMO.

Why choose Scripps for your LVAD and MCS Services?

The experienced teams of cardiologists and surgeons at Scripps who perform LVAD and MCS device implant surgeries have completed hundreds of successful procedures for patients from across San Diego and the western US. The team also actively participates in clinical trials for advancements in this area of specialized heart care.

LVAD resources

You may find these resources helpful in learning more about the LVAD treatment option:


American Heart Association

MyLVAD