Medical City Fort Worth expands advanced heart program with LVAD

Fort Worth, Texas — Jaime Lugo, a 72-year-old from Tarrant County, feared heart problems would soon stop him from pursuing his passions for auto repair and the outdoors. Thanks to a new treatment option for advanced heart failure at Medical City Fort Worth, Lugo can continue to enjoy those activities with his three young grandchildren.

Lugo was the recipient of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), the first of its kind performed at Medical City Fort Worth. The device offers hope for some patients with advanced heart failure, who previously might have had to travel farther from home for this specialized treatment.

An LVAD is a mechanical pump implanted into the chest that helps the heart’s main chamber circulate blood. It can serve as a bridge to transplant or as a long-term therapy for patients who are not transplant candidates.

“I want to be healthy and strong so I can spend more time with my grandchildren,” Lugo says. “The doctors and nurses explained everything and were with me every step of the way. I feel great and I know I’m going to be all right.”

Just a few days after the surgery, Lugo says he could feel relief in his movement, breathing and overall energy.

“Bringing LVAD to Medical City Fort Worth allows patients to receive advanced heart care closer to home,” said John Hoover, CEO of Medical City Fort Worth. “Adding LVAD implantation strengthens the hospital’s position as the destination of choice for healthcare excellence in Tarrant County.”

Medical City Healthcare is committed to system-wide excellence and innovation by enhancing access to care through Medical City Fort Worth's cardiovascular program, which includes advanced diagnostics, interventional minimally invasive procedures, and complex surgical treatments.

Learn more about heart care at Medical City Fort Worth.