John M. Stulak, M.D., discusses ventricular assist devices, including the HeartMate II left ventricular assist device and HeartWare HVAD. The Food and Drug Administration has approved both devices as a bridge to support patients prior to heart transplant. Ventricular assist device therapy has consistently demonstrated significant improvement in both patient survival and functional status for advanced heart failure.

Dr. Stulak is a heart surgeon at Mayo Clinic's campus in Rochester, Minnesota.