title: Physiological impact of continuous flow on end-organ function: clinical implications in the current era of left ventricular assist devices.
abstract: The clinical era of continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices has debunked many myths about the dire need of a pulse for human existence. While this therapy has been documented to provide a clear survival benefit in end-stage heart failure patients, we are now faced with certain morbidity challenges that as of yet have no easy mechanistic physiological explanation. The effect of physiological changes on end-organ function in patients supported by continuous-flow ventricular assist devices may offer insight into some of these morbidities. We therefore present a review of current evidence documenting the impact of continuous flow on end-organ function.
authors: Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas.
authors: Arvind
authors: A
authors: Bhimaraj
authors: Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas.
authors: Cesar
authors: C
authors: Uribe
authors: Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas.
authors: Erick E
authors: EE
authors: Suarez
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D002560:Cerebrovascular Circulation / Q000502:physiology; D003326:Coronary Circulation / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans; D007677:Kidney Function Tests; D008297:Male; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000379:methods*; D017202:Myocardial Ischemia / Q000503:physiopathology; D018579:Patient Selection; D011379:Prognosis; D011788:Quality of Life; D018570:Risk Assessment; D016019:Survival Analysis; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: CF; LVAD; continuous flow; continuous-flow physiology; end-organ function; left ventricular assist device