HCA Florida Largo Hospital celebrates milestone of 100+ ventricular assist device implantations

HCA Florida Largo Hospital is proud to announce another major milestone in its advanced cardiac care program, successfully implanting more than 100 ventricular assist devices (VADs). This achievement represents a life-changing advancement for patients facing advanced heart failure.

To mark the milestone, Largo Hospital recently hosted a celebration honoring the specialized physicians, nurses, and multidisciplinary team members who make this lifesaving program possible. Patients and their families, including Carl Avari-Cooper — who returned to share his personal journey with a VAD — joined the event to express gratitude and inspire others facing similar challenges.

“Implanting over 100 VADs is more than a number — it’s a testament to the dedication, skill, and compassion of our cardiac team,” said Christiano Caldeira, MD, cardiothoracic surgeon at HCA Florida Largo Hospital . “These devices give patients renewed quality of life and hope for the future, and we are humbled to walk alongside them on their journey.”

Ventricular assist devices are mechanical pumps that support heart function and blood flow in individuals with severe heart failure. At Largo Hospital, VADs are used both as a bridge to transplant and as destination therapy for patients who may not be eligible for heart transplantation.

For patients like Carl, the technology has been life-saving. “I’m grateful and incredibly indebted to the entire team at Largo Hospital. Thank you to my wife who stood by my side for my 65 days in the hospital and has been an integral part in my recovery. Secondly, thank you for this team.  I wouldn’t choose any other team to care for me,” Cooper shared.

HCA Florida Largo Hospital remains committed to advancing cardiovascular care and expanding access to innovative therapies that make a difference for patients across the region.