What advanced mechanical circulatory support device may be implanted by Heart Failure specialists as a bridge to transplant or long-term therapy?
Answer
Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs)
For patients experiencing advanced stages of heart failure where the heart muscle is severely weakened and standard medication regimens are insufficient, Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiologists manage the implantation of mechanical circulatory support systems. The Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) is specifically highlighted as one such device utilized to assist the weakened left ventricle in pumping blood effectively, serving either as a temporary measure to sustain the patient until a heart transplant becomes available or sometimes as a permanent solution if transplantation is not an option.
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