title: Mechanical support beyond the intra-aortic balloon pump.
abstract: The ventricular assist device (VAD) is one of the latest tools available to help the clinician contend with severe heart failure. This article presents a historical overview of the development of the VAD and discusses the incidence and etiology of heart failure. The investigational device research process, nursing involvement, and future trends are discussed.
authors.forename: P M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Rutan
mesh_terms: D002303:Cardiac Output, Low / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005060:Europe; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices / Q000191:economics / Q000266:history / Q000639:trends*; D049669:History, 16th Century; D049670:History, 17th Century; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D009656:North America; D012106:Research / Q000266:history; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology