Echocardiography for left ventricular assist device implantation and evaluation: an indispensable tool

Echocardiography is an indispensable tool in the evaluation, placement, management and follow-up of patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVAD). While transoesophageal echocardiography is the ideal tool in guiding the implantation procedure, transthoracic echocardiography is essential during the initial evaluation, patient selection and in the post-operative follow-up. This review attempts to summarize which parameters the echocardiographic assessment should focused on during each step. In particular, during the pre-operative assessment, it is of paramount importance to assess the presence of aortic regurgitation and most importantly to evaluate right ventricular function, since it is one of the strongest predictor of post-implant right ventricular failure. During the procedure, through transoesophageal echocardiography, it is possible to confirm the correct placement of the inflow cannula, to assess right ventricular function and to guide the choice of the right pump speed. Transthoracic echocardiographic is an essential part in the patient's follow-up once the LVAD has been implanted, in order to attest the onset of possible complications.