Adjunctive use of inhaled nitric oxide during implantation of a left ventricular assist device.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of inhaled nitric oxide in the prevention and reversal of pulmonary hypertension during and after left ventricular assist device implantation.


METHODS
Inhaled nitric oxide (20 ppm) was administered to seven consecutive patients undergoing implantation of a left ventricular assist device at the time of implantation and for the first 24 hours after operation.


RESULTS
Withdrawal of inhaled nitric oxide at 24 hours after operation was associated with a significant rise in both the transpulmonary gradient (from 8+/-1 to 14+/-2 mm Hg, p < 0.01) and in pulmonary vascular resistance (from 110+/-19 to 196+/-32 dynes x sec x cm[-5], p < 0.01). In two patients, the rise in pulmonary vascular resistance resulted in a critical fall in left ventricular assist device flow and hemodynamic deterioration, necessitating urgent reinstitution of inhaled nitric oxide.


CONCLUSIONS
The administration of inhaled nitric oxide at the time of left ventricular assist device implantation prevents rises in pulmonary vascular resistance that in some patients result in critical reductions in left ventricular assist device flow. We suggest that inhaled nitric oxide is a useful adjunctive treatment that should be routinely available at the time of left ventricular assist device implantation.
Macdonald
P S
PS
Cardiopulmonary Transplant Unit, St. Vincent's Hospital Sydney Australia, Darlinghurst.
Keogh
A
A
Mundy
J
J
Rogers
P
P
Nicholson
A
A
Harrison
G
G
Jansz
P
P
Kaan
A M
AM
Spratt
P
P
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000328:Adult; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D006976:Hypertension, Pulmonary / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D016277:Ventricular Function, Left / Q000187:drug effects
D009569:Nitric Oxide