Ventricular assist devices

From WikiMD.org
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Ventricular Assist Devices (pronunciation: ven-trik-yuh-lur as-sist de-vices) are a type of mechanical pump that is used to support heart function and blood flow in people who have weakened hearts. The device takes over the function of either the left or right ventricle, or both.

Etymology

The term "Ventricular Assist Devices" is derived from the Latin word ventriculus which means "little belly", referring to the ventricles of the heart, and the English word "assist", meaning to help or aid. The term "device" comes from the Old French devis, meaning "division, separation, disposition, regulation, order; wish, desire; contrivance, plan, scheme".

Types of Ventricular Assist Devices

There are several types of Ventricular Assist Devices, including:

Related Terms

See Also

References

Esculaap.svg

This WikiMD.org article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.