Arterial-Wave Reflections Are Increased in Heart Failure Patients With a Left-Ventricular Assist Device

Central arterial pressure-wave reflection is increased in end-stage HF patients on LVAD support compared with those on inotropic drugs, leading to an increase in aortic augmented pressure, AIa, and systolic tension time index. The AIa is also higher in LVAD patients than in healthy controls. This increased central arterial-wave reflection places an additional hemodynamic load on the LVAD device and may have relevance to the medical management of patients after LVAD placement and to the longevity of the LVAD device itself.