Comprehensive Heart Failure Program | Department of Internal Medicine | UC Davis Health

Specialties

Cardiovascular Medicine

Comprehensive Heart Failure Program

UC Davis Health offers evidence-based, complete care for patients with all stages of heart failure. Our multidisciplinary team includes cardiologists who specialize in heart failure, cardiothoracic surgeons and cardiology-trained nurses, pharmacists and social workers. Together, they provide a highly collaborative, individualized approach, with a commitment to close partnerships with patients and their referring physicians.

Services include

  • Clinical evaluation and management of cardiomyopathies and heart failure
    • Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFREF)
    • Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF)
    • Genetic or familial cardiomyopathies
    • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
    • Amyloidosis
    • Sarcoidosis
    • Cardio-oncology
    • Pulmonary hypertension
    • Adult congenital heart diseases
  • Second opinion in advanced heart failure
  • Remote monitoring and telehealth
  • Interventional heart failure
    • High-risk percutaneous revascularization
    • Percutaneous valvular repair or replacement
    • Right heart catheterization
    • Endomyocardial biopsy
  • Heart failure electrophysiology
    • Device optimization
    • High-risk ventricular tachycardia ablation
  • Ventricular assist devices (VADs)
    • Long-term mechanical circulatory support therapy
    • Temporary mechanical circulatory support therapy
  • Heart transplants
  • New devices and therapies only available through clinical trials
  • Heart Health Classes

UC Davis Health physicians also are pioneering new avenues in heart failure care and expanding options for patients through research on the latest devices, medications and monitoring technologies.

Options for end-stage heart failure

Illustration of a VAD mechanical pump surgically implanted below the diaphragm, attached to the left ventricle and aorta, and powered by external batteries.
VADs are mechanical pumps that are surgically implanted below the diaphragm, attached to the left ventricle and aorta, and powered by external batteries.

Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs)

UC Davis is certified by The Joint Commission to offer VADs as bridges to transplants or destination therapies for end-stage heart failure. These mechanical, battery-powered pumps take over some of the work of the heart, restoring blood flow and oxygen levels. Some patients can have pumps implanted using a less-invasive procedure known as a thoracotomy, or through small incisions between two ribs, instead of via a full sternotomy that requires opening the chest wall.

Heart transplantation

The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) has approved UC Davis Health for heart transplantation, completing the range of current services available in our region for advanced heart failure patients. All care — from pre-transplant assessment and waitlist management through surgery and post-transplant care — is provided at UC Davis Medical Center, making the transplantation process convenient for patients and their loved ones. Visit the UC Davis Transplant Center to learn more.

Contact us to request an assessment or referral.