Abstract
The clinical era of continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices has debunked many myths about the dire need of a pulse for human existence. While this therapy has been documented to provide a clear survival benefit in end-stage heart failure patients, we are now faced with certain morbidity challenges that as of yet have no easy mechanistic physiological explanation. The effect of physiological changes on end-organ function in patients supported by continuous-flow ventricular assist devices may offer insight into some of these morbidities. We therefore present a review of current evidence documenting the impact of continuous flow on end-organ function.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 12-17 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Methodist DeBakey cardiovascular journal |
Volume | 11 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 1 2015 |
Keywords
- CF
- LVAD
- continuous flow
- continuous-flow physiology
- end-organ function
- left ventricular assist device
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Medicine(all)