Advanced
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
LVAD
Pronunciation: EL-vad
Also written as: LVAD — left ventricular assist device
Left ventricular assist device; mechanical pump supporting heart function in patients with severe heart failure.
Full Definition
A left ventricular assist device is a mechanical circulatory support system that helps pump blood from the left ventricle to the aorta in patients with advanced heart failure. These devices can serve as bridge-to-transplant, bridge-to-recovery, or destination therapy. LVAD patients in surgical ICUs require specialized care due to unique complications including bleeding, infection, and device malfunction.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from RVAD (right ventricular assist device) and BiVAD (biventricular assist device).
In Context
- "The LVAD patient required surgical exploration for suspected pump thrombosis." — operative report
- "LVAD parameters showed decreased flow concerning for outflow graft obstruction." — progress note
Also known as
left ventricular assist device
mechanical circulatory support
Don't confuse with
RVAD
BiVAD
IABP