Ventricular Assist Device and Its Necessity for Elderly Population

Abstract

Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) is considered to be the part and parcel to those people who have cardiac complications or heart failure especially the aged patients. Although VADs have contributed remarkably for the past few years, yet these devices possess some limitations, mainly the driveline infections. Due to these conditions, researchers are aiming to improve its functionality as well as other necessary/additional features and hence there is a need to develop the ‘next generation' wireless VAD system which could be very effective to reduce the risk of this infection. In this chapter, the necessity of the VAD and different kinds of VADs are presented and discussed. These features incorporate hemodynamic states after receiving the VADs, selection of biomaterials for the VAD system, VAD pumps and its classifications. Finally, a brief discussion is also provided based on the recent advancement of the VAD system and the scope for the future research.