Do Continuous Flow LVADS Improve Diastolic Dysfunction?

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DOI: 10.4236/ojots.2014.43004    3,308 Downloads   5,540 Views  Citations

ABSTRACT

Background: Ventricular assist devices are now used as a bridge to recovery/decision/transplant or as destination therapy in end-stage heart failure. Continued improvements in technology and pump design have made implantation an easier process with reduced operative risks and pump-related adverse events. Considering the beneficial effects of these devices in the clinical setting, it seemed logical to address the long-term effect of the continuous flow pumps on diastolic dysfunction. Methods: This study addresses the effect of HeartMate IITM(HMII) support for 284+/-97 days on echocardiographic parameters of diastolic function. Data from fifteen patients was retrospectively studied status post left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. The data at approximately 1-year post implantation was compared with that obtained prior to implantation. Statistical analyses were performed using the Microsoft Excel Program/MSExcel Stats. Echocardiographic measurements were carried out in accordance with the American Society of Echocardiography guidelines. Results: Of all the echocardiographic parameters assessed only E/Ea and calculated left atrial pressure (LAP) showed a statistically significant decrease. Two parameters that showed a trend towards significance are Ea (septal) and global functional index (p = 0.05). Conclusions: Continuous Flow LVAD support appears to improve diastolic dysfunction. This study has limitations in that we used a single type of continuous flow device (HeartMate IITM) and was conducted as a retrospective analysis. Further studies with larger populations and longer support are required to validate this finding.

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Nair, N. , Thotakura, S. and Gongora, E. (2014) Do Continuous Flow LVADS Improve Diastolic Dysfunction?. Open Journal of Organ Transplant Surgery, 4, 23-28. doi: 10.4236/ojots.2014.43004.

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