Echocardiographic Outflow Pump Ramp Test in Centrifugal-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device. Issue 3 (March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: lacovoni, Attilio; Vittori, Claudia; Fontana, Alessandra; Carobbio, Alessandra; Fino, Carlo; D'Elia, Emilia; Terzi, Amedeo; Senni, Michele
• Is Part Of: International journal of artificial organs. Volume 40:Issue 3(2017:Mar.)
• Page Start: 128
• Page End: 131
• Publication Date: 2017-03
• Subjects: Advanced heart failure -- Left ventricular assist device -- Pump thrombosis; Artificial organs -- Periodicals; 617.956
• DOI: 10.5301/ijao.5000573
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0391-3988

Abstract

This study sought to develop a novel echocardiogram outflow ramp test to detect device malfunctions in centrifugal-flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). This new ramp pump test is based on the direct analyses of systolic and diastolic ratio (S/D) Doppler velocity in the outflow cannula in the HeartWare LVAD during progressive increases in speed. The results showed that in patients with normal pump function, the Doppler velocity S/D ratio gradually decreased during LVAD speed increases. This test is easily performed and seems promising to detect normal pump function in patients assisted by a centrifugal flow LVAD.