Right heart failure after left ventricular assist device implantation – from prediction to action

In this issue of the Journal, Read and colleagues1 report the use of peak stroke volume index (SVI) during pre-procedure vasodilatory testing as a predictor of early right heart failure (RHF) after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. They retrospectively examine 70 patients from three institutions who underwent pre-implant nitroprusside vasodilator testing. Indications for pre-operative vasodilator testing were elevated pulmonary vascular resistance, pulmonary arterial wedge pressure, or systolic pulmonary artery pressure.
Source: The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation - Category: Transplant Surgery Authors: Tags: Editorial Source Type: research