A left ventricular assist device or LVAD (pronounced "L-vad" and also called left ventricular assist system or LVAS) is a mechanical pump that is surgically implanted to help a weakened heart pump blood throughout the body. More specifically, the LVAD helps the left ventricle (the major pumping chamber of the heart) pump blood throughout the body.
How the LVAD works
Blood flows from the left ventricle into the internal pump. The pump fills with blood. When the sensors indicate it is full, the blood is ejected out of the device through a one-way valve to the aorta (largest artery in the body).
How the LVAD is used
The LVAD can be used as a "bridge-to-transplant," which means it can help a patient survive until a donor heart becomes available for transplant. This option may be appropriate for people whose medical therapy has failed and who have an increased risk of death, as well as those who are hospitalized with end-stage systolic heart failure. As a bridge-to-transplant, the LVAD allows the patient to be discharged to an outpatient setting while waiting for transplant.
Using an LVAD as a bridge-to-heart transplant has improved pre-heart transplantation survival rates and quality of life. However, there is still a national shortage of available donor hearts for patients who are in need. Thus, use of a LVAD as a bridge-to-heart transplant is still performed on an infrequent basis and only when absolutely needed.
The LVAD can be used as "destination therapy," which is an alternative to heart transplant. Destination therapy provides long-term support in patients who are not candidates for transplant. The goal of destination therapy is to improve the patient’s quality of life.
When used as a bridge-to-transplant or as destination therapy, the goals of LVAD therapy are to provide blood pressure support, maintain or improve other organ function, improve strength and activity performance and enable participation in cardiac rehabilitation.
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 3/20/2006
