The International journal of artificial organs
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Synchronization between the left ventricle and a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) may be important for ventricular unloading and coronary perfusion. We assessed the synchrony between cardiac and LVAD cycles by increasing delays in steps of 100 msec throughout the cycle, under conditions of total and partial left ventricular support. ⋯ This study shows that the synchronous mode of LVAD operation is feasible. Moreover, a delay in device contraction until the second half of the cardiac cycle optimizes ventricular unloading and may eventually improve myocardial recovery.