Ventricular Assist Devices
The primary aim of a ventricular assist device (VAD) is circulation support. When the
myocardium is damaged, the heart is unable to maintain the required cardiac output and
blood pressure to maintain blood flow. A VAD is implemented to relieve the workload of
the myocardium. Another use of the VAD is ventricular assistance. Patients with heart
failure, which can be reversed if the heart is given sufficient time to recover, are candidates
for a VAD. Using a VAD is also common after patients undergo cardiopulmonary
bypass or any other traumatic heart surgery. A VAD can assist in the recovery of the right
or left ventricle (RVAD or LVAD) or both ventricles (BIVAD). An LVAD diverts blood
from either the left atrium or left ventricle, sends the blood through a pump, and then
returns the blood to the aorta. The RVAD operates in the same manner, with the blood
diverted from the right atrium and returned into the pulmonary artery.