Focused Review on Transthoracic Echocardiographic Assessment of Patients with Continuous Axial Left Ventricular Assist Devices

[摘要] Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are systems for mechanical support for patients with end-stage heart failure. Preoperative, postoperative and comprehensive followup with transthoracic echocardiography has a major role in LVAD patient management. In this paper, we will present briefly the hemodynamics of axial-flow LVAD,the rationale, and available data for a complete and organized echocardiographic assessment in these patients including preoperative assessment, postoperative and long-term evaluation.

[学科分类] 心脏病和心血管学