Ventricular Assist Device
Ventricular Assist Device
A Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) is a mechanical pump that supports heart function and blood flow in people with weakened hearts. The device takes blood from a lower chamber of the heart and helps pump it to the body and vital organs, just as a healthy heart would.
Pronunciation
Ventricular: ven-TRIK-yoo-lar Assist: uh-SIST Device: dih-VICE
Etymology
The term "Ventricular" comes from the Latin word "ventriculus" which means "little belly", referring to the belly-like shape of the heart's lower chambers. "Assist" is derived from the Latin word "assistere" meaning "to stand by". "Device" comes from the Old French "devis" meaning "division, separation, disposition, regulation, order".
Related Terms
- Heart Failure: A chronic condition in which the heart doesn't pump blood as well as it should.
- Cardiomyopathy: A disease of the heart muscle that makes it harder for the heart to pump blood to the rest of the body.
- Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD): A pump used primarily for patients with end-stage heart failure.
- Right Ventricular Assist Device (RVAD): A pump used to support the right ventricle of the heart.
- BiVentricular Assist Device (BiVAD): A device used when both ventricles of the heart need assistance.
See Also
- Heart Transplant: A surgical procedure to replace a diseased heart with a healthy heart from a donor.
- Artificial Heart: A device that replaces the heart.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Ventricular Assist Device
- Wikipedia's article - Ventricular Assist Device
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