Ventricular assist device (VAD)
A ventricular assist device (VAD), also known as a
heart pump, is a mechanical device that helps pump blood from the heart to the
rest of your body. This picture shows a left-ventricular assist
device (LVAD), which pulls blood from the left ventricle and pumps it to the
aorta and the rest of the body. Other types of VADs pull blood from the right
ventricle or both ventricles and pump it to the rest of the body. The heart
still pumps some blood on its own. But the VAD helps the heart pump blood
better. A VAD can be implanted inside the body or worn outside the
body. If it is implanted, surgery is done to place it in the chest area. The
pump part of the VAD is placed in a small space in your upper abdomen. After
the VAD has been implanted, your doctor will make another small incision in
your side to connect the electrical wires that power the device. The pump part of a VAD can be implanted, but the VAD battery and control
system are worn outside the body. The battery pack and control system can be
worn on a shoulder strap and belt.
Credits
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine | | Specialist Medical Reviewer | Robert A. Kloner, MD, PhD - Cardiology | | Last Updated | August 25, 2008 |
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Last Updated: August 25, 2008 |
| Medical Review: |
Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine
Robert A. Kloner, MD, PhD - Cardiology |
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ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.
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