Which device is commonly used for the management of heart failure?

The left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is a mechanical pump used to support heart function and blood flow in individuals who have weakened hearts due to heart failure. LVADs are primarily employed in patients with severe heart failure as a bridge to heart transplantation or as a long-term solution when a transplant is not an option. They help improve the pumping efficacy of the heart, thereby alleviating symptoms of heart failure and enhancing the quality of life for affected patients.

In comparison, the cardiac pacemaker is designed to manage heart rhythm disorders rather than directly addressing heart failure. Defibrillators are used to correct life-threatening arrhythmias and do not specifically treat the underlying causes of heart failure. Stents are utilized in the treatment of coronary artery disease to keep arteries open but do not address mechanical support of the heart itself. Thus, the LVAD stands out as a device specifically tailored for the management of heart failure.