What are cannulation sites for an LVAD?
The most recent American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS)/International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) guidelines (6) and European Association for Cardiothoracic Surgery (EACTS) expert consensus document (7) recommend inflow cannula placement into the left ventricular (LV) apex anterior wall.
What is inflow cannula?
The inflow cannula is sited within the right atrium, with an outflow cannula in the pulmonary artery. It can deliver flows of up to 4.5 L/min.
Can LVAD patients be defibrillated?
Defibrillation can still be performed in patients with ventricular dysrhythmias. External chest compressions, however, should be avoided and are a last resort for patients without evidence of perfusion. Conventional CPR may dislodge the LVAD connection from the heart and leave a gaping hole.
What is pulsatility index LVAD?
• The Pulsatility Index (PI) is a measurement of the flow pulse through the pump. (coming from the heart) • During LV filling, increase in pressure causes an increase in pump flow (higher PI. indicates better LV function)
Where is outflow cannula in LVAD?
The LVAD outflow cannula was aligned with the transducer just proximal to the anastomotic site with the ascending thoracic aorta. The cannula diameter was measured at the site of Doppler acquisition. Peak velocity was defined as the end-systolic velocity of the outflow cannula on continuous-wave Doppler acquisition.
Can you perform CPR on an LVAD patient?
The use of chest compression on patients with LVAD remains controversial. It is generally contraindicated because of the risk of LVAD dislodgement or regurgitation (from the aorta to the left ventricle) may occur. In one case report, the percutaneously implanted aortic valve was destroyed due to prolonged CPR.
Can LVAD patients get CPR?
New evidence shows CPR gives VAD patients in cardiac arrest a 50 percent chance of survival.
How does LVAD calculate flow?
The LVAD flow depends on interaction between the pump and the native heart and is determined by speed of the pump rotation, preload at the pump inlet, and afterload at the pump outlet.
What does pulsatility mean?
beating rhythmically; pulsating or throbbing
beating rhythmically; pulsating or throbbing. Derived forms. pulsatility (ˌpʌlsəˈtɪlɪtɪ )