Echocardiographic assessment for ventricular assist device placement.

Journal: Journal of thoracic disease
Published Date: Dec 1, 2015

Abstract

While many factors depend on successful implantation and outcome of left ventricular assist devices (LVAD), echocardiography remains an integral part and is vital to the success of this process. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) allows interrogation of all the cardiac structures and great vessels. The pre-implantation TEE exam establishes a baseline and may identify potential problems that need palliation. Among these, most significant are aortic insufficiency (AI), intracardiac thrombi, poor right ventricular (RV) function, and intracardiac shunts. The post-implantation exam allows for adequate de-airing of the heart and successful LVAD initiation. The position and flow profiles of the inflow and outflow cannulas of the LVAD may be assessed. Finally, it assists in the astute management and vigilant identification and correction of a number of complications in the immediate post-implantation period. TEE will continue to remain vital to the successful outcomes LVAD patients.

Authors

  • Antolin S Flores
    Department of Anesthesiology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, OH 43210, USA.
  • Michael Essandoh
    Department of Anesthesiology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, OH 43210, USA.
  • Gregory C Yerington
    Department of Anesthesiology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, OH 43210, USA.
  • Amar M Bhatt
    Department of Anesthesiology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, OH 43210, USA.
  • Manoj H Iyer
    Department of Anesthesiology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, OH 43210, USA.
  • William Perez
    Department of Anesthesiology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, OH 43210, USA.
  • Victor R Davila
    Department of Anesthesiology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, OH 43210, USA.
  • Ravi S Tripathi
    Department of Anesthesiology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, OH 43210, USA.
  • Katja Turner
    Department of Anesthesiology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, OH 43210, USA.
  • Galina Dimitrova
    Department of Anesthesiology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, OH 43210, USA.
  • Michael J Andritsos
    Department of Anesthesiology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, OH 43210, USA.

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