Patient Story: LVAD Mechanical Pump Strengthens Michael's Heart Function

A left ventricular assist device bolstered Michael Hinchliffe's blood flow, improving his stamina and quality of life.

LVAD patient Michael and his sister pose with a February is Heart Month sign at Virtua Health

Updated May 19, 2025

Growing up, Michael Hinchliffe was rarely sick. So, when the auto-body mechanic began having trouble breathing in June 2024, he brushed it off as a chest cold that would go away in a few days.

“Then my legs and feet started to swell,” said Michael. “My sister saw me and took me right to the hospital.”

Narrowed Arteries Cause Heart Failure

At Virtua Mount Holly Hospital, a cardiac catheterization revealed Michael was in cardiogenic shock, a condition where the heart is unable to pump enough oxygen-rich blood to the body's organs. After being stabilized, the 45-year-old Willingboro resident was transferred to Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital for treatment.

Michael was diagnosed with ischemic cardiomyopathy—a weakening of the heart due to narrowed coronary arteries—and severe left-sided systolic heart failure, with an ejection fraction of only 25%. While he was surprised by his diagnosis, Michael was a long-term heavy smoker and had uncontrolled diabetes.

Michael received medication and a special temporary balloon pump to help his heart function.

“It’s unfortunately not that uncommon for us to see patients who present suddenly with a very critical cardiac disease,” said Tolulope Agunbiade, MD, medical director of the Virtua Advanced Heart Failure Center. “We find that the younger patients can do very well until they suddenly don't—when something finally tips them over and brings them to clinical attention.”

LVAD Produces Stronger Blood Flow

In August, Michael received a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), a surgically implanted mechanical pump that is attached directly to the heart.

During the procedure, one end of the pump is attached to your left ventricle, which is the chamber of the heart that pumps blood out of the heart and to the body. The other end is attached to the aorta, the body's main artery. Blood flows from the heart into the pump and is then moved into the aorta. A tube passes from the device through the skin and connects the pump to the external controller and power source, such as a rechargeable battery or a cord plugged into an electrical outlet.

“There weren't any other options for me. It was pretty much end-stage heart failure,” said Michael. “The only thing I could get was an LVAD and maybe later a heart transplant.”

With stronger blood flow, LVAD recipients experience greater energy and stamina, improved organ function, decreased swelling, and an improved quality of life.

“We’re delighted at how smoothly Michael's case went,” said Chun (Dan) Choi, MD, a cardiothoracic surgeon and vice president of Virtua cardiovascular services. “It's a testimony to our team's level of engagement and commitment.”

Focusing on Heart Health, Michael is Thankful for ‘Small Victories’

With the help of his family, Michael continues to recover.

“I feel healthier than I've been in a long time. I can walk around and go to stores—small victories. Hopefully, in time, I'll be able to run and even return to work,” he said.

Michael encourages others to focus on their health.

“I was working all the time, heavy manual labor, eating whatever and whenever I could, and not going to the doctor,” he said. "l've been telling my friends and old coworkers, you need to get a checkup. Even if you think you feel good, you never know.”