Left ventricular assist device (LVAD): Symptoms, Classification, Diagnosis & Recovery

Ventricular assist devices (VADs) are pumps that help pump blood from the lower chambers of the heart to the rest of the body's organs. It's a therapy for heart failure or a failing heart. While further therapies, like such a heart transplant, are not yet a reality, a VAD can be used to sustain the heart. A VAD can be used to help the heart pump forever.

A long-term mechanical circulatory support device (VAD) is another term for all of these devices.

A VAD is most commonly placed in the left ventricle, which is the lower chamber of the heart. A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is its name when it is placed inside the left ventricle. LVADs are what this article discusses.