Derek Brinster, MD
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In The News
VCU leads study of first portable driver for TAH ...Read more
VCU Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery
The Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery is committed to working closely with patients and their families to achieve excellent outcomes. We are pleased to offer comprehensive surgical therapy for diseases of the heart, lungs, airways and major blood vessels of the chest.
These goals of excellence in patient care are linked to our goals of educating a future generation of doctors and research into new ways of treating and alleviating suffering caused by cardiothoracic illness.
News
Total artificial heart patients going mobile
VCU Medical Center began implanting the total artificial heart in 2006. Today, the cardiac surgery team at VCU's Pauley Heart Center is implanting more of these life-saving devices than any institution in the country. The device enables patients to regain their health after suffering the devastating effects of heart failure so they are better prepared to undergo a heart transplant. Until recently, patients with a total artificial heart had to be tethered to a 350-pound driver that powers the device. Now, a portable, 13-pound, compressor that fits in a backpack gives patients the ability to leave the hospital and go home while they wait for a heart ... a process that can take months. For more information about the portable driver, click here.
Greg Lowe
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