Left heart bypasses, also known as left heart support or extra-corporeal left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), refer to medical procedures or devices that are used to redirect blood flow from the left side of the heart to assist in its pumping function.
In a healthy heart, blood flows from the left atrium to the left ventricle, which then pumps it out to the rest of the body. However, in certain medical conditions such as severe heart failure or after a heart attack, the left side of the heart may be unable to effectively pump blood. Left heart bypasses are employed in such cases to alleviate the strain on the heart and improve blood circulation.
There are different types of left heart bypasses, including surgical procedures and mechanical devices. Surgical bypass involves connecting a tube from the left atrium or left ventricle to a blood vessel in another part of the body to create a detour for the blood. This allows the heart to continue pumping blood to the body while bypassing the weakened left side.
Mechanical devices, known as LVADs, are implanted inside the body and help support the left side of the heart by taking over its pumping function partially or completely. These devices are typically used as a temporary measure while the heart heals, or as a bridge to heart transplant.
Left heart bypasses are important medical interventions that aim to relieve symptoms, improve quality of life, and potentially save lives by enhancing cardiac function and ensuring adequate blood flow throughout the body. These procedures and devices are typically performed by trained cardiovascular surgeons and specialists.
