Question

A mechanical pump which helps a weakened ventricle to pump blood throughout the body so the heart does not have to work very hard:

• A. Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP)
• B. Skeletal muscle assist device
• C. Defibrillator
• D. Ventricular assist device (VAD)
• E.

Hint:

VADs are used in heart failure when the heart is too weak to pump sufficient blood to the body.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding VAD.
A Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) is a mechanical pump used to support a failing heart.
It helps the left ventricle pump blood to the rest of the body, decreasing the heart's workload and providing support until a heart transplant is available or the heart recovers.
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
- (A) Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP): An IABP is used to improve coronary blood flow, but it does not assist with blood circulation throughout the body.
- (B) Skeletal muscle assist device: These are experimental devices designed to assist skeletal muscles, not the heart.
- (C) Defibrillator: A defibrillator is used to reset the heart's rhythm, not to assist with pumping blood.
- (D) Ventricular assist device (VAD): Correct. It directly assists with the pumping function of a weakened heart.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Therefore, the correct answer is (D) Ventricular assist device (VAD).