If you have any questions or need more information about the terms defined below, please ask your physician.
-
AC Adapter: A power adapter that plugs into a wall electrical outlet.
-
Angioplasty: The process of widening a blocked or narrowed blood vessel to restore blood flow to the heart.
-
Anticoagulants: Medications used to slow your blood from forming clots.
-
Battery: One of the power sources used to run the HVAD System. Two batteries, or one battery and an AC adapter or DC adapter are required at all times.
-
Battery Charger: The unit used to charge batteries. With the HVAD System, up to four batteries may be charged at a time.
-
Bridge-to-Transplant: A medical indication and treatment protocol where a VAD is used to assist heart function while a patient awaits a heart transplant.
-
HVAD Controller: A small computer that operates the VAD and communicates information about how the VAD is working.
-
DC Adapter: A power adapter that uses power from an automobile electrical outlet to run the controller and VAD.
-
Driveline: The “cable” attached to the implanted VAD that passes through the skin to connect to the controller.
-
Exit Site: The location where the driveline passes through the skin.
-
HVAD® System: The shortened name for the HVAD System, which comprises the HVAD® Pump, controller, and power sources.
-
HVAD Pump: The name of the HeartWare VAD.
-
ICD: An abbreviation for Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator. This is an implanted device that sends small electrical shocks to the heart to stop fast, and potentially deadly, heart rhythms.
-
LVAD or VAD: An abbreviation for Left Ventricular Assist Device or Ventricular Assist Device. This is the mechanical pump that is implanted in the left ventricle of the heart.
-
LVAS or VAS: An abbreviation for Left Ventricular Assist System or Ventricular Assist System. This comprises the mechanical pump (LVAD), the controller, and each of the power sources (batteries, AC adapter, and DC adapter).
-
Pacemaker: A small implanted device that sends electrical signals to the heart via electrodes to cause the heart to contract. This device is intended to maintain a regular heart beat.
-
Patient Pack: worn around a patient’s waist or shoulder, this pack contains the VAD peripherals, such as the batteries and controller – enabling VAD patients to maintain a mobile lifestyle.
-
Pericardial Placement: the ability to locate the VAD in the double-walled sac that contains the heart; negating the need to create a more invasive pump pocket within the abdomen to hold the VAD.
-
Pump: A common alternate name for a LVAD or VAD.
-
Shower Bag: A water-resistant carrying case for your controller and batteries while showering.