Advanced Heart Failure
Therapy Program

Emory cardiac surgeons implanted Georgia's first ventricular assist device (VAD) in 2006. This was the first example of VAD as a destination therapy in the state. Destination therapy provides long-term support in patients who are not candidates for transplant. A few years later, our VAD Program earned the Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval for Destination Therapy. It was recertified in 2011. We're one of only a few hospitals in Georgia VAD-certified by The Joint Commission. Fewer than 100 centers in the US have this certification. It shows our leadership and best clinical practices in offering LVADs as destination therapy.