Ventricular assist devices

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:

• Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD)
• Right Ventricular Assist Device (RVAD)
• Biventricular Assist Device (BiVAD)

Related Terms

• Heart Failure
• Cardiomyopathy
• Heart Transplant

See Also

• Artificial Heart
• Heart-Lung Machine

References

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