Clinical Statement on the Requirements for Surgeon Certification for Implantation of Durable Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs)

Published 1 May 2013

Francis D. Pagani, MD, PhD; Michael A. Acker, MD; Margarita T. Camacho, MD; Todd M. Dewey, MD; Seth D. Force, MD; Edwin C. McGee, MD; Michael F. McGrath, MD; Bryan F. Meyers, MD; Nahush A. Mokadam, MD; Nicholas G. Smedira, MD; Yoshida Toyoda, MD; Africa F. Wallace, MD; Michael J. Weyant, MD

Ann Thorac Surg. 2013 May;95(5):1834-9

• Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Endorsement
• Mechanical Circulatory Support
• Publications & Journals
• Standards & Guidelines
• Standards Statement

Current Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) requirement for surgeon qualifications for implantation of durable, long-term ventricular assist devices (VADs) for destination therapy requires “placement of 10 ventricular assist devices in the last 36 months with current activity in the last 12 months and with volume requirement met by including artificial heart placements for no more than 50% of the total volume.”

The Joint Commission currently oversees the process of certification of centers to perform VAD implants for destination therapy through its Advanced Certification in Ventricular Assist Device Therapy as part of a mandate from CMS.

This document from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) highlights the current limitations of the CMS Certification requirements and interpretation by Joint Commission, and proposes new criteria for surgeon certification to demonstrate competency in both the technical aspects of VAD implantation, and competency in VAD patient management, and to establish a minimum standard of training and experience as recognized by CMS to permit safe VAD implantation and care of patients receiving durable VADs.

Read at ATS