What Is a Left Ventricular Assist Device?
A left ventricular assist device is a mechanical pump that helps a heart that is too weak to pump blood through the body. It is sometimes referred to as "a bridge to transplant," since it can help a patient survive until a heart transplant can be performed.
A ventricular assist device is used to aid the pumping action of a weakened heart ventricle (a major pumping chamber of the heart).
A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) receives blood from the left ventricle and delivers it to the aorta -- the large artery that carries the blood from the heart to the rest of the body. A right ventricular assist device (RVAD) receives blood from the right ventricle and delivers it to the pulmonary artery -- the artery that carries blood from the heart to the lungs.
How Does a Left Ventricular Assist Device Work?
A left ventricular assist device does not replace the heart. Instead, it works with the patient's own heart to pump sufficient blood throughout the body.
The device consists of a pump, a control system, and an energy supply. Some ventricular assist devices rely on a battery for their energy supply; others use compressed air (pneumatic). The energy supply and the control system are located outside the body; the pump can be either inside or outside the body.
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