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Lumped-Parameter and Finite Element Modeling of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
09:20

Lumped-Parameter and Finite Element Modeling of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction

Published on: February 13, 2021

Hemodynamic, echocardiographic, and exercise-related effects of the HeartWare left ventricular assist device in

Adam McDiarmid1, Brian Gordon, Neil Wrightson

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.

Congestive Heart Failure (Greenwich, Conn.)
|July 19, 2012
PubMed

Insights

The HeartWare left ventricular assist device (HVAD) significantly improves heart failure status by enhancing hemodynamics and exercise capacity. Patients experienced better heart function without major changes in ventricular size or right ventricular function.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Medical Devices
  • Heart Failure Management

Background:

  • Advanced heart failure presents significant challenges in patient management.
  • Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are crucial for improving outcomes in end-stage heart failure.
  • The HeartWare left ventricular assist device (HVAD) is designed to support failing ventricles.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of the HeartWare left ventricular assist device (HVAD) on hemodynamic parameters.
  • To assess changes in ventricular function following HVAD implantation.
  • To determine the effects of HVAD support on patient exercise capacity.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 30 advanced heart failure patients receiving HVAD implantation between 2009 and 2011 were assessed.
  • Hemodynamic measurements, ventricular function (visual grade), and exercise capacity (peak oxygen consumption) were evaluated.
  • Two assessments were performed: one at a mean of 201 days and a second at 351 days post-implantation for a subset of patients.

Main Results:

  • Significant improvements were observed in hemodynamics, including decreased heart filling pressures and pulmonary vascular resistance, and increased cardiac index (P<.05).
  • Exercise capacity, measured by peak oxygen consumption and New York Heart Association class, significantly improved (P<.05).
  • Left ventricular end-diastolic diameter decreased significantly by the second assessment (P<.01), while overall left ventricular size and right ventricular function showed no marked changes.

Conclusions:

  • The HVAD system provides substantial benefits for patients with advanced heart failure, improving their overall status.
  • Hemodynamic function and exercise capacity are significantly enhanced with HVAD support.
  • These improvements are achieved without significant adverse changes in left ventricular dimensions or right ventricular function up to one year.

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