Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 1, 2026
05:18
Implantation of Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) in Juvenile Landrace Swine: A LVAD Implantation Model of Pediatric Heart Failure
Published on: January 16, 2026
Right ventricular function and left ventricular assist device placement: clinical considerations and outcomes
Romeo Lainez1, Gene Parrino, Michael Bates
1Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, LA.
Ochsner Journal
|May 24, 2011
Summary
The HeartMate II left ventricular assist device showed a 91% survival rate in advanced heart failure patients. This study found minimal right heart failure, suggesting improved outcomes with this device.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Devices
- Mechanical Circulatory Support
Background:
- Right ventricular failure is a significant complication following left ventricular assist device implantation.
- Defining right ventricular dysfunction often involves mechanical support or prolonged inotropic use.
- The HeartMate II is an axial-flow device for advanced heart failure treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the incidence of right heart failure in patients receiving the HeartMate II.
- To assess perioperative and long-term outcomes in a continuous cohort.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 45 patients with end-stage heart disease.
- Analysis of data over a 21-month period.
- Focus on perioperative survival and need for right ventricular support or inotropes.
Main Results:
- Perioperative survival was 91%.
- No patients required mechanical support for the right ventricle.
- No patients needed inotropes beyond 14 days post-implantation.
- 18% of patients underwent successful heart transplantation with 100% survival.
Conclusions:
- The HeartMate II demonstrated a low incidence of right heart failure in this patient cohort.
- Outcomes suggest favorable right ventricular function preservation with the device.
- High survival rates were observed, both overall and post-transplant.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care
Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...
01:30Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
01:21Cardiac Catheterization II: Right Heart Catheterization
Right Heart Catheterization: An OverviewRight heart catheterization is an invasive diagnostic procedure that measures right-sided cardiac and pulmonary artery pressures, calculates cardiac output, and identifies intracardiac shunts. It provides detailed hemodynamic data essential for diagnosing and managing various cardiovascular conditions, such as pulmonary hypertension.Access SitesCommon access sites for right heart catheterization include the internal jugular vein in the neck region, the...
01:22Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies
Additional therapies for treating patients with heart failure (HF) may include procedural interventions, supplemental oxygen, the management of sleep disorders, and nutritional therapy.Procedural InterventionsImplantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator: For patients at risk of life-threatening arrhythmias due to severe left ventricular dysfunction, an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) can detect and terminate these arrhythmias, preventing sudden cardiac death and improving survival rates.
01:24Cardiac Catheterization III: Left Heart Catheterization
Left heart catheterization is an invasive diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the function and structure of the left side of the heart. It is generally performed to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions such as valve abnormalities, coronary artery disease, and congenital heart defects.Diagnostic and therapeutic purposesLeft heart catheterization serves various diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, including:Assessing coronary artery bypass grafts.Evaluating coronary artery disease in...
01:30Heart Failure V: Medical Management
Medical Management of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (ADHF)The primary goals of therapy for patients hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) include:Relieving symptomsOptimizing volume statusSupporting oxygenation and ventilationMaintaining cardiac output (CO) and end-organ perfusionIdentifying and addressing the cause of ADHFPreventing complicationsProviding patient education on factors precipitating HF exacerbationPlanning for dischargeOngoing monitoring and assessment...