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LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The University of Louisville and Jewish Hospital have developed an implant that may help save lives.

The revolutionary new implant called the Left Ventricular Assist Device or VAD, teaches a failing heart to function . . . without a pulse. The device creates a continous flow of blood in and out of the failing heart. A research team led by Univ. of Louisville/Jewish Hospital cardiac surgeon Dr. Mark Slaughter published data that appears in this week’s New England Journal of Medicine.

One of the recipients of the VAD is 58-year-old Terry Powell from Louisville, who had the device implanted in June 2008. Terry’s wife, Karen, says the device is a miracle. She says when she puts her head to Terry’s chest, its’ fine with her that she hears not a pulse, but a hum.

The 2-year study of the VAD shows the new devices can be permanent therapy for many of the more than five million Americans who suffer from heart failure.

Suzanne Duvall reports: Click Here

   Cardiac Surgeon Dr. Mark Slaughter