Pulsatile left ventricular assist devices: what is the role in the modern era?

Pavan Atluri; Michael A Acker

doi:10.1053/j.semtcvs.2010.09.002

Pulsatile left ventricular assist devices: what is the role in the modern era?

Semin Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2010 Summer;22(2):106-8. doi: 10.1053/j.semtcvs.2010.09.002.

Authors

Pavan Atluri¹, Michael A Acker

Affiliation

¹ Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.

PMID: 21092883
DOI: 10.1053/j.semtcvs.2010.09.002

Abstract

With the widespread use of continuous-flow ventricular assist devices (VADs), the role of pulsatile VADs remain in question. In acute cardiogenic shock, pulsatile VADs maximize perfusion pressure, restore end organ perfusion, and maximally unload the pulmonary circulation and right heart. In addition, pulsatile left VADs allow for easy conversion to biventricular support using one platform, in the case of acute right ventricular failure. Pulsatile VADs still have a major role in the treatment of acute cardiogenic shock.

MeSH terms

Coronary Circulation
Heart Failure / physiopathology
Heart Failure / therapy*
Heart-Assist Devices*
Humans
Prosthesis Design
Pulsatile Flow*
Regional Blood Flow
Shock, Cardiogenic / physiopathology
Shock, Cardiogenic / therapy*
Treatment Outcome
Ventricular Function, Left*