Tampa-General-Hospital-Receives-Ventricular-Assist-Device-Recertification

Recertification for the Ventricular Assist Device program signals TGH’s continued commitment to meeting and surpassing patient quality and safety standards

for even the most complex patient care needs.

 

 

Tampa, FL (May 5, 2025) – The Tampa General Hospital (TGH) Heart and Vascular Institute recently received recertification for its Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) program from the Joint Commission. This designation, which TGH has maintained since 2009, is required by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for any health system performing this potentially lifesaving, complex surgery for patients with advanced or end-stage heart failure. The Joint Commission Disease-Specific Care VAD certification is a validation of the health care organization’s commitment to providing high-quality care for patients with VADs, contributing to improved patient outcomes and safety.

“The VAD program is an essential component of world-class, complex cardiac care, and Tampa General is one of the few health systems in the state equipped to provide this life-saving function for patients, many of whom may not have other treatment options,” said Dr. Ioana Dumitru, medical director of the TGH Heart & Vascular Institute’s Mechanical Circulatory Support program. “Our ongoing Joint Commission certification is a testament to the hospital’s expertise and ability to improve and extend the lives of these patients, bringing this essential function to those in our area who need it.”

 

A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is a mechanical pump that helps the heart pump blood when it is too weak to do so on its own. It is used to treat severe heart failure, a condition where the heart muscle is damaged and cannot pump blood effectively. LVADs are implanted surgically into the chest and connect to the heart’s left lower chambers. The pump takes blood from the left ventricle and pumps it out to the body. This helps to reduce the workload of the heart and improve blood flow to organs and extremities. Tampa General is the third-highest VAD provider by volume in Florida.

• LVAD is implanted either as a bridge to transplant patients awaiting a donor heart
• Or to stabilize a critically ill patient while the most appropriate treatment path is evaluated
• Or as a long-term therapy for patients who may not be eligible for a heart transplant but require mechanical support for ongoing cardiac function

LVADs are designed to extend life and improve quality of life with the goal of returning patients to normal daily activities.

 “Our VAD certification underscores the heart of our multidisciplinary approach at Tampa General. Our goal isn’t just to extend life but to enrich it and empower our patients to return home and experience the quality of life they deserve,” said Dr. Lucian Lozonschi, director, Cardiothoracic Surgery Center of Excellence, TGH Heart & Vascular Institute, associate director, TGH Transplant Institute, professor and chief of the Division, Cardiothoracic Surgery, USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. “It’s about collaboration: working hand-in-hand with all of our Heart & Vascular Institute experts as a crucial bridge for patients awaiting a new heart, as well as integrating seamlessly with our ICU and hospitalist teams for patients who need post-transplant care.”

"The Joint Commission, which is a nationally recognized accrediting body, certifies VAD programs to ensure high-quality, safe care for patients with advanced heart failure. CMS requires certification for hospitals and health systems to conduct these operations. The program requires health systems to undergo rigorous biennial (every other year) site surveys and interim assessments to maintain compliance. The Joint Commission routinely updates certification requirements and heightens quality and safety standards in accordance with best practices and updated evidentiary medicine findings. Tampa General has consistently met these rising standards since 2009.

“Tampa General’s dedication to quality is a cornerstone for what we bring to patients throughout Florida and beyond, and we are pleased with our team members’ ability to continue to excel during these rigorous site surveys especially in the ever-changing health care environment,” said Tara Collet, vice president, TGH Heart & Vascular Institute. “We have a world-class cardiac program with a high degree of experience and expertise and are delivering on the requirements of a top-tier quaternary facility able to treat even the most advanced cases, giving as many of our patients as possible the opportunity to live life to their fullest potential.”