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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Venticular Assist Devices
Answered by
Cleveland - OH
This forum is for questions and support regarding heart issues such as: Angina, Angioplasty, Arrhythmia, Bypass Surgery, Cardiomyopathy, Coronary Artery Disease, Defibrillator, Heart Attack, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Mitral Valve Prolapse, Pacemaker, PAD, Stenosis, Stress Tests.
Doctor's Answer
by Cleveland Clinic, Feb 17, 2005 12:00AM
, Feb 17, 2005 12:00AM
emtmccourt,
thanks for the post.
A left ventricular assist device is a mechanical device which bypasses the failing left ventricle in those with end stage heart disease. It often provides a bridge to transplant in those that could not make it with their own heart.
Normal CPR involves repiratory support through mouth to mouth breathing and circulatory support through chest compressions. Depending on the model and the procedure with which the ventricular assist device was implanted, cardiac compressions may have no or markededly diminished effect. The devices do generally continue to function even when a patient is in abnormal rhythms or have a respiratory failure. In these cases, respiratory support is more important.
The devices can theoretically malfucntion. Some of the devices have a hand assist pump to use when the device has a mechanical malfunction or a power failure.
Most heart failure programs have a dedicated person for specific questions related to assist devices. I would discuss the specifics with that person.
good luck
thanks for the post.
A left ventricular assist device is a mechanical device which bypasses the failing left ventricle in those with end stage heart disease. It often provides a bridge to transplant in those that could not make it with their own heart.
Normal CPR involves repiratory support through mouth to mouth breathing and circulatory support through chest compressions. Depending on the model and the procedure with which the ventricular assist device was implanted, cardiac compressions may have no or markededly diminished effect. The devices do generally continue to function even when a patient is in abnormal rhythms or have a respiratory failure. In these cases, respiratory support is more important.
The devices can theoretically malfucntion. Some of the devices have a hand assist pump to use when the device has a mechanical malfunction or a power failure.
Most heart failure programs have a dedicated person for specific questions related to assist devices. I would discuss the specifics with that person.
good luck
Member Comments (1)
by air1024, Sep 11, 2009 02:35PM
A related discussion, Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) was started.
