Left ventricular assist device

This medical device related article is a stub.

A Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) is a type of mechanical heart pump used for patients suffering from severe heart failure. An LVAD is not a cure for heart disease but serves as a bridge to heart transplantation, a destination therapy for those who are not candidates for a transplant, or as a bridge to recovery, allowing the heart to rest and potentially recover its function.

Overview

An LVAD is implanted surgically and works by taking blood from the left ventricle and helping to pump it to the rest of the body, thereby assisting a weakened heart. This device is particularly useful for patients whose left ventricle, the main pumping chamber of the heart, does not work adequately. LVADs are often considered when conventional treatments for heart failure, including medication and lifestyle changes, have failed.

Components and Function

The main components of an LVAD include a pump unit, a control system, and a power source. The pump is usually placed in the upper abdomen, and a tube conducts blood from the left ventricle to the pump. Another tube moves the blood from the pump to the aorta, the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The control system monitors and regulates the pump's speed and function, while the power source includes batteries and a power pack that can be worn externally.

Indications

LVADs are primarily indicated for patients with advanced heart failure who have:

• Not responded to other treatments
• High risk of dying within the next year without intervention
• Specific criteria that make them eligible for heart transplantation (as a bridge to transplantation)
• Not eligible for heart transplantation due to other medical conditions (as destination therapy)

Risks and Complications

The implantation of an LVAD involves significant risks, including:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Stroke
• Device malfunction
• Blood clot formation

Patients require careful monitoring and regular follow-up care to manage these risks and ensure the proper functioning of the device.

Impact on Quality of Life

For many patients, an LVAD significantly improves the quality of life. It can alleviate symptoms of heart failure such as fatigue and shortness of breath, enabling patients to enjoy more active lives than they could before the device's implantation. However, living with an LVAD also requires adjustments, including carrying the external battery pack and controller, and being vigilant about the risk of infection.

Future Directions

Research continues to improve the technology behind LVADs, making them smaller, more efficient, and less prone to complications. Advances in materials and engineering are also focusing on reducing the risk of blood clots and improving the biocompatibility of the device.

See Also

• Heart transplantation
• Artificial heart
• Cardiac surgery