Right Heart Reserve Function Assessed with Fluid Loading Test Predicts Late Right Heart Failure in Patients Undergoing Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation

Purpose: A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is an effective therapeutic option for advanced heart failure. Late right heart failure (LRHF) is a complication after LVAD implantation associated with increasing morbidity and mortality; however, the assessment of right heart function, including right heart reserve function after LVAD implantation, has not been established. We focused on a fluid loading test with right heart catheterization (RHC) to evaluate right heart pre-load reserve function and investigate its impact on LRHF.
Source: The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation - Category: Transplant Surgery Authors: Source Type: research