Original Article

Right Ventricular Support after Implantation of a NOVACOR Left Ventricular Assist Device

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Perfusion Services Department and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Department of Anesthesiology/CCM and Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

^* Address correspondence to: Robert Whittington, CCP Perfusion Services, Room F 1051.1 Presbyterian University Hospital DeSoto at O'Hara Streets Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Abstract

The objective was to determine which factors might help to predict the need for mechanical right ventricular support following insertion of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). A retrospective analysis was performed on 24 patients with cardiomyopathies who had insertion of a LV AD as a bridge to heart transplantation at Presbyterian University Hospital during the period 1987 to 1991. Group 1 consisted of 18 patients who could be adequately supported with the LVAD alone, while Group 2 consisted of 6 patients who required additional support with a right ventricular assist device. Group 2 exhibited longer periods of hypotension on cardiopulmonary bypass, increased inotropic support and decreased right ventricular ejection fraction at time of chest closure postLVAD.