The LVAD itself is a small pump that is placed in the heart and forms a connection between the left ventricle and the aorta. This pump ensures that the body gets the correct flow of blood again.
Normally, the heart provides circulation with the help of a pulsating movement. You can feel the 'beating' of the heart in the arteries of the body. Because the pump provides a continuous flow, a wearer of an LVAD no longer has a palpable pulse.
The whole works on electricity. Electricity is controlled outside the body. The pump (1) is connected to an electrical cable, the driveline (3), which comes out through the abdominal wall, and is connected to the controller (4).
This controller is a small computer that controls the speed of the pump and emits a sound and light signal when necessary. The controller also provides the connection to the energy source, two batteries (2) that can be carried on the body, or a device that is connected to the mains. Thanks to the batteries, it is possible to resume daily life and be fully mobile. The device that is connected to the mains is used at night so that you can sleep with a constant supply of power.