Pulseless Paradoxus: A Unique Sign of Cardiac Tamponade in the Era of Continuous Flow Left Ventricular Assist Devices

The change from pulsatile to nonpulsatile blood flow in patients supported with a continuous flow left ventricular assist device (cLVAD) alters the bedside cardiovascular physical exam. Diagnosing cardiac tamponade in patients supported with a cLVAD can be challenging for 2 reasons: First, classic findings such as Beck ’s triad and pulsus paradoxus are of limited diagnostic value. Second, isolated left heart tamponade is possible because of continuous unloading of the left ventricle, thereby reducing its pressure to below pericardial pressure.
Source: Mayo Clinic Proceedings - Category: Internal Medicine Authors: Tags: Letter to the editor Source Type: research