Mechanical Heart Assist Device/ Ventricular Assist Device
- What it is
What is a mechanical heart device?
A mechanical heart device is a man-made artificial pump that takes over the pumping action of the heart, to help maintain blood circulation.
What is a ventricular assist device (VAD)?
A VAD is normally used when the heart is severely weakened, such as in severe or end-stage congestive heart failure, and medicines fail to maintain enough circulation. The blood pressure remains low and the patient has difficulty breathing and is confined to bed. Most of the patients require assistance for the left ventricle, the main pumping chamber of the heart to restore normal blood flow.
The Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) pumps blood from the left ventricle to the aorta. In some patients, a Right Ventricular Assist Device (RVAD) is needed to supplement the right ventricle. There are also Bi-Ventricular Assist Devices (biVAD) which assist both ventricles.
