Our VAD Program was one of the first centers to be awarded the VAD Disease-Specific Care Certification by The Joint Commission in 2008 and has been consistently recertified by The Joint Commission every two years since. The Gold Seal of Approval® reflects our program’s commitment to quality and safety for those we serve. 

Currently caring for more than 200 VAD patients, over a dozen of whom have been on a support for 10 years or longer, and having implanted more than 1,300 VADs since 1996, our program’s high volume translates to better patient outcomes. 

Our program also co-created VAD-C™, a certification program for clinicians that elevates the quality of care received by VAD patients and helps advance the care of critically ill patients with heart failure, showing our commitment to excellence in care. 

Our Team

VAD coordinators:

• Teresa Colaianne, RN

• Stephanie Gebauer, RN

• Rena’ Lucier, RN

• MJ Melong, RN

• Todd Saunders, RN

• Rachel Smith, RN 

Support team:

• Andy Griffith, equipment specialist

• Nate Sink, equipment specialist

• Christine Carroll, RN, data analyst

• Sarah Comstock, RN, program manager

• Kerri Fischer, patient services associate

We treat patients with cardiac disorders resulting in advanced stages of heart failure or cardiogenic shock (when the heart is unable to pump as much blood as the body needs). 

• Heart failure 

• Cardiogenic shock

Services

• VAD & LVAD

To schedule an evaluation with a Frankel Cardiovascular Center physician, call 888-287-1082. Or visit the Make a Cardiovascular Appointment page to learn what to expect when you call us.