Also called: Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD), Right Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD), Biventricular Assist Device, Mechanical Assist Device. A ventricular assist device (VAD) is an artificial heart pump used in severe heart failure. An implantable device with an external power supply and control console can be used to provide left ventricular support.
This device replaces the pumping function of the heart until a graft is available for a heart transplant.
The Thoratec paracorporeal and implantable VAD has an extracorporeal pump that is connected to the heart by tubes. Temporary implantable VADs are placed during surgery or percutaneously (under the skin) through an artery in a leg.