Longest LVAD Survivors

LONGEST SURVIVING LVAD PATIENTS

In a 2024 case report published in Clinical Case Reports, a patient who received a HeartMate II LVAD in 2009 reached a milestone that no one in the field had previously seen—16 continuous years of support with the original implanted device (PubMed PMID: 39764263).

James Quinn – Over 10 Years and Thriving (UK)

  • Year of Implant: 2014

  • Device: HeartMate II

  • Location: United Kingdom

  • Survival Duration: 10+ years

James Quinn, a father of four and a cider brand account manager, received his LVAD in 2014. Despite the challenges of carrying equipment daily, James leads a fulfilling life and is an advocate for heart health awareness. His commitment to self-care and regular checkups makes him a standout LVAD survivor in the UK.
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Mayra Rodriguez – 14 Years with HeartMate II (USA)

  • Year of Implant: 2008

  • Location: New Jersey, USA

  • Survival Duration: 14+ years

Mayra Rodriguez became one of the longest-living LVAD patients in the U.S. when she reached her 14th year with her device in 2022. Her success story has brought national attention to the possibilities of long-term LVAD therapy.
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Gayle Wilkerson – A Decade of Active Living (USA)

  • Year of Implant: 2011

  • Location: Arizona, USA

  • Survival Duration: 10 years

At 84 years old, Gayle celebrated her 10-year LVAD anniversary in 2021. She remains physically active, regularly walking and lifting weights—proving age is no barrier to LVAD success.
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 Alma Grant – Living Fully into Her 70s

  • Age: 78

  • Survival Duration: ~10 years

Alma Grant never imagined she’d spend nearly a decade with an LVAD, but today she enjoys an active life, traveling and spending time with her grandchildren. Her case highlights how destination therapy can offer not just quantity, but quality of life.

Gus Harbert – Beating the Odds for Over 10 Years

  • Year of Implant: 2008

  • Device: HeartMate II

  • Survival Duration: 10+ years

By 2018, Gus had already surpassed the 10-year mark with his LVAD. His story is often cited as an example of how proper surgical alignment and infection prevention can significantly extend device longevity.

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