BiVAD provides mechanical support to which chambers?

BiVAD provides mechanical support to which chambers?

• A. Left ventricle only
• B. Right ventricle only
• C. Both ventricles
• D. Atria

Answer: (C)

BiVAD stands for a biventricular assist device, which means it provides mechanical support to both pumping chambers of the heart. In advanced failure, both the left and right ventricles may be unable to sustain circulation, so a BiVAD uses an LVAD component to assist the left ventricle (pumping blood from the left ventricle into the aorta) and an RVAD component to assist the right ventricle (pumping blood from the right ventricle into the pulmonary artery). This dual support maintains both systemic and pulmonary circulation. The devices target the ventricles, not the atria, so support of the ventricles is what defines a BiVAD.

BiVAD stands for a biventricular assist device, which means it provides mechanical support to both pumping chambers of the heart. In advanced failure, both the left and right ventricles may be unable to sustain circulation, so a BiVAD uses an LVAD component to assist the left ventricle (pumping blood from the left ventricle into the aorta) and an RVAD component to assist the right ventricle (pumping blood from the right ventricle into the pulmonary artery). This dual support maintains both systemic and pulmonary circulation. The devices target the ventricles, not the atria, so support of the ventricles is what defines a BiVAD.