See Also: ventricular assist device(medicine)
left-ventricular assist device(medicine)
Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD)(health)
Biventricular assist device(health)
Intra-aortic Balloon Pump Assist Device(health)
Herbal medicine (botanical medicine, herbology, phytomedicine)(health)
assist(2)(dictionary)
assist(1)(dictionary)
Assist(medicine)
COUNSEL TO ASSIST(law)

ventricular assist device (medicine)


ventricular assist device


A device that supports or replaces the function of a ventricle (LVAD or RVAD indicates which ventricle). The patient's heart remains in place when this device or system is used. The device is used in patients with potentially salvageable myocardium, where centrifugal or pneumatic devices can be placed in either heterotopic or orthotopic positions (the latter is termed a total artificial heart). The function of either the left, right, or both ventricles can thus be supported for days to weeks. Either recovery of heart function or need for transplantation then becomes apparent.