Heart assist devices are medical devices that aid the heart in its function to pump blood to the body. The spelling of heart assist devices is [hɑrt əˈsɪst dɪvaɪsɪz], with emphasis placed on the first syllable of heart and the second syllable of assist. The phonetic transcription indicates the pronunciation of the word, with the symbol 'h' representing the sound of 'h' in 'hot', 'ɑ' representing the sound in 'father', 'ə' representing the sound in 'above', and 'ɪ' representing the sound in 'hit'.
Heart assist devices, also known as ventricular assist devices (VADs), are mechanical pumps designed to support or replace the function of a weakened or failing heart. These devices are used in severe cases of heart failure, where the heart is unable to adequately pump blood to meet the body's needs. The primary goal of heart assist devices is to improve blood flow and increase oxygen supply to vital organs and tissues.
The most common type of heart assist device is the left ventricular assist device (LVAD), which is implanted into the chest and attached to the left ventricle of the heart. It works by drawing blood from the left ventricle and pumping it into the aorta, the main artery that carries oxygenated blood to the rest of the body. This helps relieve the workload on the weakened heart and ensures adequate blood circulation.
Heart assist devices can be used as a temporary solution, allowing the heart to rest and recover after a heart attack or during the recovery period after heart surgery. They can also be used as a more permanent solution for patients who are not eligible for heart transplantation or are waiting for a suitable donor heart.
These devices are typically powered by external batteries or a portable controller, and require careful monitoring and maintenance. They can significantly improve the quality of life and survival rates for patients with severe heart failure, providing them with a bridge to transplantation or long-term support.