Cardiac Archives

Left Ventricular Assist Device [LVAD]

A mechanical device that can be placed outside the body or implanted inside the body. An LVAD does not replace the heart—it “assists” or “helps” it pump oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricle to the rest of the body

Left Ventricular Failure

Congestion and fluid accumulation affect the lungs, resulting in pulmonary oedema. Patient suffers breathlessness, cough and orthopnoea. There is reduced flow of arterial blood from the heart which in extreme cases results in peripheral circulatory failure.

Leaky Valve

See ‘Incompetent’.