Straining With the Ventricular Assist Device and Right Ventricular Function

Evaluation of right ventricular function using liver stiffness in patients with left ventricular assist device†

Objectives Although right ventricular failure (RVF) is a major concern after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation, methodologies to evaluate RV function remain limited. Liver stiffness (LS), which is closely related to right-sided filling pressure and may indicate RVF severity, could be non-invasively and repeatedly assessed using transient elastography. Here we investigated the s...

Effects of the HeartMate II continuous-flow left ventricular assist device on right ventricular function.

BACKGROUND Continuous-flow devices have become the standard of care for mechanical circulatory support for end-stage heart failure patients because of improved survival and durability. The effects of these devices, such as the HeartMate II (HMII) left ventricular assist device (LVAD), on right ventricular (RV) function have not been evaluated in detail. This study evaluated the incidence of RV ...

Assessment of right ventricular function in left ventricular assist device candidates.

Sexual function after left ventricular assist device.

To the Editor: Impaired sexual function is common in patients with heart failure (1) and following cardiac transplant. Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) improve survival, functional capacity, and quality of life for end-stage heart failure, but data regarding their impact on sexual function and satisfaction are limited to early devices and one small sample of continuous-flow devices from ...

Survival after left ventricular assist device with and without temporary right ventricular support.

BACKGROUND Right ventricular (RV) failure after the insertion of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) historically results in poor outcomes. Patients requiring temporary RV support after LVAD insertion are a heterogeneous group of patients consisting of those in cardiogenic shock after myocardial infarction, to those with chronic decompensated heart failure. For patients requiring biventricu...