The waiting period to receive a heart transplant is generally between 9 to 12 months. During that time, your doctor may surgically place a mechanical pumping device called a left-ventricular assist device (LVAD) to help the heart beat more efficiently.

This device simulates the work of the left ventricle--the large, muscular chamber of the heart that pumps blood out of the body--to help maintain the pumping ability of a heart that can't effectively function on its own.

LVADs are being used as "bridges" to keep people alive until a donor heart is available for transplant or, in some cases, as an alternative to heart transplant. LVADs require surgery to place the device and to make the connections between the heart and the device.