left ventricular assist device

medicine

Also known as: LVAD, continuous-flow device

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Last updated

July 17, 2026

Quick Summary

A ventricular assist device (VAD) is a mechanical pump designed to help a weakened heart circulate blood. While VADs can support either the right or left ventricle, they are most commonly implanted in the left ventricle, in which case they are called left ventricular assist devices (LVADs).1

LVADs pump oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to the aorta. These devices are frequently used to treat heart failure. They can be implanted permanently, used temporarily while a patient awaits a heart transplant, or to help a heart recover its pumping strength.1

VADs are implanted through open-heart surgery. Complications can include bleeding, power failure, blood clots, and infection. However, advancements in VAD technology and patient care have significantly improved outcomes, leading to prolonged life and symptom relief for patients with heart failure.1

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cardiovascular disease
Therapy
…of obtaining a donor heart, left ventricular assist devices have been developed to increase patient survival while awaiting a transplant. These devices work by taking part of the blood from the left ventricle and mechanically pumping it into the arterial circulation. This mechanical assistance reduces the amount of work required…
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…of obtaining a donor heart, left ventricular assist devices have been developed to increase patient survival while awaiting a transplant. These devices work by taking part of the blood from the left ventricle and mechanically pumping it into the arterial circulation. This mechanical assistance reduces the amount of work required…
Read More

ventricular assist device
…is referred to as a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). An LVAD pumps oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to the aorta; when used to provide a constant flow of blood from the heart, an LVAD may also be referred to as a continuous-flow device.
Read More
…is referred to as a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). An LVAD pumps oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to the aorta; when used to provide a constant flow of blood from the heart, an LVAD may also be referred to as a continuous-flow device.
Read More