VAD
Also written as: VAD — Ventricular Assist Device
Ventricular Assist Device, a mechanical pump supporting heart function in patients with severe heart failure.
Full Definition
A VAD is an implantable mechanical device that helps pump blood from the heart's ventricles to the body's organs. These devices serve as a bridge to transplantation, destination therapy, or bridge to recovery in patients with end-stage heart failure. In surgical critical care, VAD patients require specialized management including anticoagulation monitoring, device parameter optimization, and vigilance for complications such as bleeding, thrombosis, or device malfunction. The term encompasses various types including left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) and biventricular assist devices (BiVADs).
Usage
Usage note: Specify type when possible (LVAD, RVAD, BiVAD).
In Context
- "The patient's VAD parameters were optimized to improve cardiac output." — Cardiothoracic surgery note
- "VAD anticoagulation was held due to gastrointestinal bleeding." — Progress note