04/30/2025
Mayo Clinic Celebrates 500th LVAD Implant!
In April, the Mayo Clinic’s Cardiovascular Surgery program reached a significant milestone: the implantation of its 500th Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD). This achievement marks 20 years since the inception of the LVAD program, which has grown into a cornerstone of advanced heart failure care.
Under the leadership of Dr. Mauricio Villavicencio, Surgical Director and Dr. Alredo Clavell, Medical Director, the program has expanded its reach and capabilities through innovation, clinical excellence, and a deep commitment to patient care. The 500th LVAD procedure was performed by Dr. PJ Spencer, a testament to the surgical expertise and dedication at the heart of the program.
LVAD patients at Mayo Clinic benefit from the support of a large multidisciplinary team—including cardiologists, surgeons, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, social workers, pharmacists, and others—who collaborate closely to ensure comprehensive care from pre-op evaluation to life-long follow-up.
To commemorate the occasion, the team passed out "500th VAD" cookies—an opportunity to reflect on two decades of life-saving work and to recognize the collective effort behind each patient story.
