Abstract
Right ventricular (RV) function during LVAD pumping was studied in 5 dogs and 3 goats. No significant change was found in overall RV hemodynamic parameters at any bypass rate. But the RV stroke volume had a slight tendency to increase, while the max RVdp/dt to decrease with the increase in bypass rate. This finding indicates slight increase of RV contractility but decrease in its preload. However, since the normal RV had a good distensibility, the right atrial pressure and RV end-diastolic pressure remainded within normal range. This result suggests that the LVAD pumping will not affect the normal RV function in acute phase.
