Effects of Pulsatile- and Continuous-flow Left Ventricular Assist Devices on Left Ventricular Unloading

Substantial left ventricular unloading and hemodynamic improvement is achieved with the HeartMate XVE and the HeartMate II. We conclude that continuous-flow LVADs are as effective as pulsatile-flow LVADs with regard to degree of left ventricular unloading and cardiac hemodynamics.