Right ventricular support after implantation of a Novacor Left Ventricular Assist Device.
The objective was to determine which factors might help to predict the need for mechanical right ventricular support following insertion of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD).  A retrospective analysis was performed on 24 patients with cardiomyopathies who had insertion of a LVAD as a bridge to heart transplantation at Presbyterian University Hospital during the period 1987 to 1991.  Group 1 consisted of 18 patients who could be adequately supported with the LVAD alone, while Group 2 consisted of 6 patients who required additional support with a right ventricular assist device.  Group 2 exhibited longer periods of hypotension on cardiopulmonary bypass, increased inotropic support and decreased right ventricular ejection fraction at time of chest closure post-LVAD.
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Perfusion Services Department, Pennsylvania.
R
R
Whittington
S
S
Waybright
T
T
Gasior
R
R
Kormos
J
J
Armitage
R
R
Hardesty
B
B
Griffith
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D009202:Cardiomyopathies / Q000601:surgery*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006352:Heart Ventricles / Q000601:surgery*; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016278:Ventricular Function, Right