Which device is designed to assist the heart in pumping blood, specifically from the right ventricle?

The right ventricular assist device (RVAD) is specifically designed to support the right ventricle, which is responsible for pumping deoxygenated blood to the lungs for oxygenation. In cases of right heart failure or other severe cardiac conditions that compromise the ability of the right ventricle to function effectively, an RVAD can provide mechanical assistance, allowing the heart to maintain adequate blood flow and support the body’s oxygen needs.

The other devices serve different purposes. A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) aids the left ventricle in pumping blood to the rest of the body, making it unsuitable for supporting the right ventricle specifically. Pacemakers are used to manage heart rhythm issues, ensuring the heart beats at a normal rate but do not provide additional pumping strength. Defibrillators are designed to restore a normal heart rhythm in cases of life-threatening arrhythmias and do not assist in pumping blood. Therefore, the RVAD is the most appropriate choice for addressing pumping support specific to the right ventricle.