The Impact of Prolonged Rotary Ventricular Assist Device Support upon Ventricular Geometry and Flow Kinetics

Prolonged rotary VAD support unloads the left ventricle, with modest effects on the right ventricle. These changes are often associated with alterations of VAD flow kinetics, requiring therapeutic intervention. These findings indicate the usefulness of echocardiographic surveillance in patients undergoing prolonged VAD support.