Artificial organs
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Comparative Study
Changes in Spirometry After Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation.
Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are increasingly being used as life-saving therapy in patients with end-stage heart failure. The changes in spirometry following LVAD implantation and subsequent unloading of the left ventricle and pulmonary circulation are unknown. In this study, we explored long-term changes in spirometry after LVAD placement. ⋯ Our results indicated that pulmonary function tests were significantly reduced after LVAD placement (forced expiratory volume in one second [FEV1 ]: 1.9 vs.1.7, P = 0.016; forced vital capacity [FVC]: 2.61 vs. 2.38, P = 0.03; diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide [DLCO]: 14.75 vs. 11.01, P = 0.01). Subgroup analysis revealed greater impairment in lung function in patients receiving HeartMate II (Thoratec, Pleasanton, CA, USA) LVADs compared with those receiving HeartWare (HeartWare, Framingham, MA, USA) devices. These unexpected findings may result from restriction of left anterior hemi-diaphragm; however, further prospective studies to validate our findings are warranted.
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Implantable left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have been adapted clinically for right-sided mechanical circulatory support (RVAD). Previous studies on RVAD support have established the benefits of outflow cannula restriction and rotational speed reduction, and recent literature has focused on assessing either the degree of outflow cannula restriction required to simulate left-sided afterload, or the limitation of RVAD rotational speeds. Anecdotally, the utility of outflow cannula restriction has been questioned, with suggestion that banding may be unnecessary and may be replaced simply by varying the outflow conduit length. ⋯ We assessed the pumps' ability to maintain hemodynamic stability with and without banding; and with varying outflow cannulae length (20, 40, and 60 cm). Increased length of the outflow conduit was found to produce significantly increased afterload to the device, but this was not found to be necessary to maintain the device within the manufacturer's recommended operational parameters under a simulated normal physiological setting of mild and severe right ventricular (RV) failure. We hypothesize that 40 cm of outflow conduit, laid down along the diaphragm and then up over the RV to reach the pulmonary trunk, will generate sufficient resistance to maintain normal pump function.