%0 Journal Article
%T Do Continuous Flow LVADS Improve Diastolic Dysfunction?
%A Nandini Nair
%A Sudhir Thotakura
%A Enrique Gongora
%J Open Journal of Organ Transplant Surgery
%P 23-28
%@ 2163-9493
%D 2014
%I Scientific Research Publishing
%R 10.4236/ojots.2014.43004
%X <p align=\"justify\">
	Background: Ventricular assist devices are now used as a bridge to recovery/decision/transplant or as destination therapy in end-stage heart failure. Continued improvements in technology and pump design have made implantation an easier process with reduced operative risks and pump-related adverse events. Considering the beneficial effects of these devices in the clinical setting, it seemed logical to address the long-term effect of the continuous flow pumps on diastolic dysfunction. Methods: This study addresses the effect of HeartMate II<sup>TM</sup>(HMII) support for 284+/гн97 days on echocardiographic parameters of diastolic function. Data from fifteen patients was retrospectively studied status post left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. The data at approximately 1-year post implantation was compared with that obtained prior to implantation. Statistical analyses were performed using the Microsoft Excel Program/MSExcel Stats. Echocardiographic measurements were carried out in accordance with the American Society of Echocardiography guidelines. Results: Of all the echocardiographic parameters assessed only E/Ea and calculated left atrial pressure (LAP) showed a statistically significant decrease. Two parameters that showed a trend towards significance are Ea (septal) and global functional index (p = 0.05). Conclusions: Continuous Flow LVAD support appears to improve diastolic dysfunction. This study has limitations in that we used a single type of continuous flow device (HeartMate II<sup>TM</sup>) and was conducted as a retrospective analysis. Further studies with larger populations and longer support are required to validate this finding.
</p>
%K Continuous Flow Device
%K Diastolic Function
%K HeartMate II&lt
%K sup&gt
%K TM&lt
%K /sup&gt
%K Left Ventricular Assist Devise
%U http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=48480