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The Comprehensive Assessment of Left Ventricular Assist Devices by Echocardiography

  • Echocardiography (F Asch and S Costa, Section Editors)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Echocardiography is the imaging modality of choice for patient selection prior to left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation, assessment of device placement, optimization of device settings, diagnosis of device-related complications, and assessment of LV recovery. The key echocardiographic features of these devices will be highlighted in the following review.

Recent Findings

With increased utilization of LVADs as well as the development of centrifugal continuous-flow pumps, familiarity with echocardiographic imaging of LVADs is essential to optimal care of these complex patients.

Summary

All echocardiographic evaluations both before and after LVAD implantation should assess for biventricular function and cavity size, valvular function and pathology, intracardiac thrombi, intracardiac shunting, cannula position and flow, aortic pathology, and pericardial effusion. RAMP testing may be utilized when device complications are suspected.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA

    Amy A. Sarma, Michael H. Picard & Judy Hung

Authors
  1. Amy A. Sarma
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  2. Michael H. Picard
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  3. Judy Hung
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Judy Hung.

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The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Echocardiography

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Sarma, A.A., Picard, M.H. & Hung, J. The Comprehensive Assessment of Left Ventricular Assist Devices by Echocardiography. Curr Cardiovasc Imaging Rep 11, 27 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12410-018-9470-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12410-018-9470-4

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