Usefulness of HVAD Waveforms as Diagnostic Assistance for Cardiac Tamponade
Makiko Nakamura1, Teruhiko Imamura1, Masakazu Hori1
1From the The Second Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan.
Abstract:
We experienced a 39-year-old male patient who converted paracorporeal left ventricular assist device to HeartWare ventricular assist device (HVAD; Medtronic, Framingham, MA) as bridge-to-transplant indication. On the 10th postoperative day, the HVAD flow waveform presented periodical low pulsatility pattern. Significant pericardial hematoma was observed on the imaging studies, and he showed pulsus paradoxus. He was highly suspected of cardiac tamponade and performed thoracotomy. HVAD waveform might be a useful tool to monitor and early suspect of postoperative cardiac tamponade to consider more intensive examinations and thoracotomy before hemodynamic deterioration, although further large-scale studies are warranted to strengthen our hypothesis.
Related Concept Videos
Assessing Blood pressure using a doppler ultrasound
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Doppler Ultrasound Blood Pressure Assessment:
Preparation of Equipment:
Dysrhythmias V: Evaluating Dysrhythmias
Electrocardiogram
Three major waveforms are present in a typical ECG recording: the P wave, the QRS complex, and...
Equipments Used To Measure Blood Pressure
This invasive approach involves cannulating a peripheral artery. During each cardiac contraction, pressure generates mechanical motion within the catheter, transmitted through rigid, fluid-filled tubing to a transducer. This transducer converts mechanical motion into electrical signals displayed as waveforms on a monitor. An automatic flushing system prevents blood backflow. Due to the potential risk of unexpected arterial blood loss, this method is primarily used in intensive...
Cardiovascular System Abnormal Findings I: Inspection and Palpation
Abnormal findings observed during an inspection
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System I:Echocardiography
Indications: Echocardiography is utilized to diagnose heart failure, valve disorders, and myocardial infarction. It also assesses cardiac structures' size, shape, and motion,...


