What Is a Ventricular Assist Device?
A ventricular assist device (VAD) is a mechanical pump that helps a heart that's 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).
When Is a Ventricular Assist Device Used?
VADs were originally intended for short-term use to support failing hearts until donor hearts became available. Some ventricular assist devices are now used for long-term (destination) therapy in severe
heart failure patients who are not candidates for heart transplants.
How Does a Ventricular Assist Device Work?
A 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 ventricular assist 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.
In a ventricular assist device, blood flows from the ventricles into a pump. 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.
