The role of echocardiography and other imaging modalities in patients with left ventricular assist devices

JACC Cardiovasc Imaging. 2010 Oct;3(10):1049-64. doi: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2010.07.012.

Abstract

Recent advances in the field of left ventricular device support have led to an increased use of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) in patients with end stage heart disease. The primary imaging modality to monitor patients with LVADs has been echocardiography. The purpose of this review is to highlight the clinical role of echo and other noninvasive imaging modalities in the assessment of cardiac structure and function in patients with pulsatile and continuous flow LVADs. In addition, we discuss the role of imaging with emphasis on echo to detect LVAD dysfunction and device related complications.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diagnostic Imaging / methods*
  • Echocardiography, Doppler*
  • Equipment Failure
  • Heart Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Heart Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Diseases / physiopathology
  • Heart Diseases / therapy*
  • Heart-Assist Devices* / adverse effects
  • Hemodynamics
  • Humans
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Prosthesis Design
  • Recovery of Function
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ventricular Function, Left
  • Ventricular Function, Right