LVAD (Left Ventricular Assisted Device)

Question 1

How does an LVAD work?

Answer 1

Palm sized pump inserted in left ventricle.
Impeller spins thousands of times a min.
Continuous blood flow.

Question 2

Do people with LVADs have pulses or BPs

Answer 2

No, and LVAD failure is life threatening

Question 3

What is the mechanism of action of the LVAD?

Answer 3

Surgeons attach one end of the LVAD pump to the left ventricle and the other end to the aorta. Blood flows from the ventricle into the LVAD. The device pumps the blood out into the aorta, where it then flows to the rest of the body.