Effects of a left ventricular assist device with a centrifugal pump on left ventricular diastolic hemodynamics

The purpose of this investigation was to analyze how left ventricular assist device (LVAD) with a centrifugal pump alters left ventricular diastolic hemodynamics and energy by means of a left ventricular pressure volume relationship. Fifteen anesthetized normal pig hearts were studied after placement of an apical drainage LVAD with a centrifugal pump. Indices of the left ventricular isovolumic relaxation phase, left ventricular filling phase and general hemodynamic data were recorded with the LVAD in on and off situations. The pump assist rate was adjusted to 25%, 50% and 75%. Left ventricular stroke work, with a high correlation with oxygen consumption, decreased as the assist rate increased. Left ventricular relaxation delayed as the assist rate increased, but the atrioventricular pressure gradient increased in the left ventricular rapid filling phase. This finding clarifies left ventricular rapid filling. In this study, it was suggested that although left ventricular isovolumic relaxation was affected, 75% assistance is the most effective for the pump flow in terms of circulation support and restoration of cardiac function.