Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2026
07:39
Use of a Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Device/Left Atrium to Femoral Artery Bypass System for Cardiogenic Shock
Published on: August 16, 2021
Neurocognitive function in destination therapy patients receiving continuous-flow vs pulsatile-flow left ventricular
Ralph J Petrucci1, Joseph G Rogers, Laura Blue
1Department of Psychiatry, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, USA. ralph.petrucci@drexelmed.edu
Summary
Cognitive function remained stable or improved in advanced heart failure patients receiving continuous-flow or pulsatile-flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) for up to 24 months, with no significant differences between device types.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) like the HeartMate II have shown improved survival in destination therapy (DT) patients compared to pulsatile-flow devices.
- This study investigated cognitive performance changes in DT patients to compare continuous-flow and pulsatile-flow LVAD support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess and compare cognitive performance changes in destination therapy patients supported by continuous-flow versus pulsatile-flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs).
Main Methods:
- A sub-study involved 96 continuous-flow (HeartMate II) and 30 pulsatile-flow (HeartMate XVE) LVAD patients.
- Neurocognitive testing assessed spatial perception, memory, language, executive functions, and processing speed at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months post-implantation.
- Linear mixed-effects modeling was used to analyze differences over time and between LVAD types.
Main Results:
- Cognitive functions remained stable or improved across all assessed domains from 1 to 24 months post-LVAD implantation.
- No significant differences in cognitive performance were observed between continuous-flow and pulsatile-flow LVAD groups.
- Limited durability of the pulsatile-flow device affected 24-month data availability, with only continuous-flow patients having complete data.
Conclusions:
- Advanced heart failure patients supported by either continuous-flow or pulsatile-flow LVADs demonstrate stable or improved neurocognitive performance for up to 24 months.
- The findings suggest that both types of LVAD support are associated with maintained or enhanced cognitive function in this patient population.
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