Illustration copyright 2002 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.nucleusinc.com
A ventricular assist device (VAD) is surgically placed inside the chest to pump blood that is normally pumped by the heart. In the above illustration for left-sided heart failure, blood is pulled from the left ventricle into the VAD, which pumps the blood to the aorta, where it is routed to the rest of the body. In a right-sided VAD, the tubes will be attached into your right ventricle and pulmonary artery. A wire extends outside the body and is attached to a battery pack, which is worn on a shoulder strap, and a pager-sized control system, worn on a belt.
Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology
© 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated, P.O. Box 1989, Boise, ID 83701. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. For more information, click here. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed.
