EVALUATION OF THE RV FUNCTION OF NORMAL HEARTS DURING LVAD PUMPING

Abstract

The long-term effects of LVAD on RV function of normal heart was studied in 5 goats. The results obtained are: 1) No significant changes was found in overall RV hemodynamic parameters, 2) maxRVdp/dt did not change, irrespective of bypass rate and implantation period, and 3) A slight increased tendency of RV stroke volume did not result from dilatation of RV free wall but due to increased RV cavity derived from reduced LV cavity and septum shift. These suggest that the LVAD pumping does not affect the RV function during at least 4 weeks, but it might reduce reserved ability of RV in longer period.