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ventricular assist device
noun
: a device that is implanted in the chest or upper abdomen to assist the left or right ventricle in pumping blood in a damaged or weakened heart
called also VAD
Examples of ventricular assist device in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
As Jamie Mahaffey awaits a life-saving donation, a GoFundMe page has been established to help with the costs with his left ventricular assist device (LVAD) as well as his ongoing wait for a heart transplant.
—The Enquirer, 19 Jan. 2024
Known as a left ventricular assist device, the HeartMate 3 helps the main pumping chamber of the heart pump blood to the rest of the body.
—Daniel Chang, CBS News, 18 Dec. 2023
Just for subscribers: A man's heart one of few to improve with left ventricular assist device.
—USA TODAY, 11 July 2023
The data showed that a heart transplantation or a ventricular assist device was performed in 11% of the Black patients compared with 22% of the White patients, although death rates were similar in both: 18% in Black patients and 13% in White patients.
—Jacqueline Howard, CNN, 19 Oct. 2022
In November 2018, Dr. Erika Feller, who is in charge of the cardiac transplant program at the University of Maryland Medical Center, took over his case and implanted a left ventricular assist device or LVAD, a mechanical pump, implanted in his body to help a weakened heart pump blood.
—Frederick N. Rasmussen, baltimoresun.com, 20 Nov. 2020
That search unveiled a fourth infected patient, also with a left ventricular assist device.
—Jessica Bartlett, BostonGlobe.com, 6 Mar. 2023
The former Vice President provided an instant laugh line for comedians this week when it was revealed that during his latest heart surgery, doctors installed a new implant called left ventricular assist device, or LVAD.
—Andrew Moseman, Discover Magazine, 21 July 2010
As Elodie waited for a new heart, a Berlin EXCOR pediatric ventricular assist device was surgically placed to help her pump blood.
—Wyatte Grantham-Philips, USA TODAY, 4 Apr. 2022
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ventricular assist device.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1970, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of ventricular assist device was
in 1970
Dictionary Entries Near ventricular assist device
Cite this Entry
“Ventricular assist device.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ventricular%20assist%20device. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.
Medical Definition
ventricular assist device
noun
ventricular as·sist device
-ə-ˈsist-
: a device that is implanted in the chest or upper abdomen to assist the left or right ventricle in pumping blood in a damaged or weakened heart
Researchers found that pumps known as ventricular assist devices, which are implanted without removing the patient's heart, were superior to drug therapy among the sickest patients.—Lawrence K. Altman, The New York Times
called also VAD
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