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Small pumps, often implantable, designed for temporarily assisting the heart, usually the LEFT VENTRICLE, to pump blood. They consist of a pumping chamber and a power source, which may be partially or totally external to the body and activated by electromagnetic motors.
Entry Term(s)
Artificial Ventricle
Heart Assist Device
Heart Ventricle, Artificial
Pumps, Heart-Assist
Vascular-Assist Device
Vascular-Assist Devices
Ventricle-Assist Device
Ventricular Assist Device
NLM Classification #
WG 169.5
Previous Indexing
Assisted Circulation (1967-1985)
Heart, Artificial (1967-1985)
Pacemaker, Artificial (1966-1985)
Public MeSH Note
90; was see under ASSISTED CIRCULATION 1986-89
History Note
90(86); was see under ASSISTED CIRCULATION 1986-89
Small pumps, often implantable, designed for temporarily assisting the heart, usually the LEFT VENTRICLE, to pump blood. They consist of a pumping chamber and a power source, which may be partially or totally external to the body and activated by electromagnetic motors.