What is the purpose of a ventricular assist device?
A VAD is a temporary life-sustaining device. VADs can replace the left ventricle (LVAD), the right ventricle (RVAD), or both ventricles (BIVAD). They are used when the heart muscle is damaged and needs to rest in order to heal or when blood flow from the heart is inadequate. VADs can also be used as a bridge in patients awaiting heart transplantation or in patients who have rejected a transplanted heart. Examples of patients who might be candidates for a VAD are those who: • have suffered a massive heart attack • cannot be weaned from heart-lung bypass after treatment with intravenous fluids, medications, and insertion of a balloon pump in the aorta • have an infection in the heart wall that does not respond to conventional treatment • are awaiting a heart transplant and are unresponsive to drug therapy and intravenous fluids • are undergoing high-risk procedures to clear the blockages in a coronary artery Although one in five people suffer left side ventricular failure, only a minorit
