| When compared to electricity; series circuits are connected along a single path so the same current flows through all components. Parallel circuits are connected so the same voltage is applied.
When the LVAD inflow cannula connects direct to the pump and is directed to the aorta via the outflow cannula and the aortic valve is sewn shut can be considered to be in series.
If the aortic valve were to remain open, some blood flow would still pass via the normal pathways in addition to the assisted flow coming from the LVAD. This is similar to running in parallel.
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