Fig. 1.

A. A schematic representation of the left ventricular assist device (LVAD). The LVAD pump draws blood from the left ventricle and delivers it to the ascending aorta. The battery-operated pump is connected to a driveline that runs subcutaneously, is inserted through the abdomen, and is connected to the LVAD system controller. B. A radiograph shows the implanted LVAD (white arrow), the driveline (red arrow), and cardioverter defibrillator (yellow arrow). C. The driveline (red arrow) of the LVAD is inserted through the left lower abdomen and runs subcutaneously to the LVAD. (For interpretation of the references to colour in this figure legend, the reader is referred to the web version of this article.)