Focused Review on Transthoracic Echocardiographic Assessment of Patients with Continuous Axial Left Ventricular Assist Devices

Abstract EN

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are systems for mechanical support for patients with end-stage heart failure.

Preoperative, postoperative and comprehensive followup with transthoracic echocardiography has a major role in LVAD patient management.

In this paper, we will present briefly the hemodynamics of axial-flow LVAD, the rationale, and available data for a complete and organized echocardiographic assessment in these patients including preoperative assessment, postoperative and long-term evaluation.