Which device provides long-term mechanical circulatory support and may be used for patients with severe heart failure?

Which device provides long-term mechanical circulatory support and may be used for patients with severe heart failure?

• A. Left ventricular assist device
• B. Pacemaker
• C. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator
• D. Intra-aortic balloon pump

Answer: (A)

Long-term mechanical circulatory support for advanced heart failure is provided by a left ventricular assist device. An LVAD is surgically implanted to take over part of the pumping workload, unloading the failing left ventricle and maintaining systemic circulation with an external power source. It’s designed for extended use and can serve as a bridge to heart transplantation or as destination therapy for patients who aren’t transplant candidates. By contrast, a pacemaker mainly tunes the heart’s rhythm, an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator prevents dangerous arrhythmias, and an intra-aortic balloon pump offers temporary circulatory support for acute situations, not long-term management.

Long-term mechanical circulatory support for advanced heart failure is provided by a left ventricular assist device. An LVAD is surgically implanted to take over part of the pumping workload, unloading the failing left ventricle and maintaining systemic circulation with an external power source. It’s designed for extended use and can serve as a bridge to heart transplantation or as destination therapy for patients who aren’t transplant candidates. By contrast, a pacemaker mainly tunes the heart’s rhythm, an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator prevents dangerous arrhythmias, and an intra-aortic balloon pump offers temporary circulatory support for acute situations, not long-term management.