Cardiac function

Question 1

state what ventricle the VAD (machine thingy aye) takes blood from

Answer 1

left ventricle

Question 2

VAD can be used after a person has suffered congestive heart failure, where the heart is unable to pump sufficient blood for the oxygen needs of the body. Suggest why VADs might be necessary in these cases

Answer 2

• The heart can’t pump blood with as much force
• this means that the heart requires assistance to deliver sufficient oxygen
• VADs will also place less strain on the heart reducing the risk of heart attack

Question 3

explain why ventricle assistance are relatively common but atrial assistance devices are not

Answer 3

• Ventricles have to pump blood all the way round the body
• whilst atria just have to pump blood into the ventricles
• therefore, the ventricles must pump blood with more force and are at a higher risk of failure or being insufficiently powerful.

Question 4

VADs contain valves that ensure blood only travels in one direction, compare this with the heart’s natural mechanism for ensuring unidirectional blood flow

Answer 4

• The heart uses valves as well
• the aortic semilunar valves is present that blocks the flow of blood back into the ventricle at the end of ventricular systole