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Gastrointestinal consequences of left ventricular assist device placement
N G el-Amir1, M Gardocki, H R Levin
1Department of Surgery, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA.
ASAIO Journal (American Society for Artificial Internal Organs : 1992)
|May 1, 1996
Summary
Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) can cause gastrointestinal issues like nausea and delayed gastric emptying. Preperitoneal placement of LVADs may reduce these complications and improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Gastroenterology
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) improve cardiac function but their gastrointestinal (GI) effects are unknown.
- Gastrointestinal dysfunction can significantly impact patient recovery and quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of LVAD support on gastrointestinal function.
- To compare GI outcomes based on the placement site of the LVAD.
Main Methods:
- Prospective evaluation of 27 LVAD recipients.
- Utilized patient interviews, GI contrast studies, endoscopy, and radionuclide studies for esophageal transit and gastric emptying.
- Assessed GI function during LVAD support and during follow-up (1-38 months).
Main Results:
- 19 of 27 patients experienced early satiety or nausea during LVAD support.
- Gastric emptying was significantly prolonged (mean 283 min) in LVAD recipients.
- Intraperitoneal LVAD placement was associated with GI complications including small bowel obstruction and prolonged feeding intolerance.
- Preperitoneal LVAD placement was linked to fewer GI complaints and no catastrophic GI events.
Conclusions:
- LVAD support is associated with significant gastrointestinal dysfunction, particularly delayed gastric emptying.
- Preperitoneal placement of LVADs may mitigate common GI symptoms and prevent severe complications.
- Further research into GI management strategies for LVAD patients is warranted.