left ventricular assist device

A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is a mechanical pump that helps the heart's left ventricle, the main chamber responsible for pumping oxygen-rich blood to the body. It is used for people with severe heart failure when the heart can no longer pump effectively on its own. The LVAD is implanted inside the chest and connected to the heart and a power source outside the body. It continuously assists blood flow, improving energy levels and organ function, and can serve as a bridge to transplant or as a long-term therapy for patients who are not transplant candidates.