Professional
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
VAD
Also written as: VAD — Ventricular Assist Device
Mechanical pump that helps the heart pump blood, used for severe heart failure patients.
Full Definition
A ventricular assist device is a mechanical circulatory support system that assists or replaces the pumping function of a failing heart ventricle. VADs can be temporary (short-term support during surgery or recovery) or permanent (destination therapy). In cardiovascular anesthesia, VAD management requires specialized knowledge of device function, anticoagulation protocols, and potential complications such as thrombosis, bleeding, and device malfunction.
Usage
Usage note: Specify LVAD, RVAD, or BiVAD when documenting specific device types.
In Context
- "LVAD implantation was performed as destination therapy for end-stage heart failure." — Surgical indication
- "VAD flow parameters were optimized during the perioperative period." — Device management note
Also known as
assist device
mechanical circulatory support
Don't confuse with
IABP
ECMO
artificial heart