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Nagueh, S.F., Middleton, K.J., Kopelen, H.A., Zoghbi, W.A. and Quinones, M.A. (1997) Doppler Tissue Imaging: A Noninvasive Technique for Evaluation of Left Ventricular Relaxation and Estimation of Filling Pressures. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 30, 1527-1533.

has been cited by the following article:

• TITLE: Do Continuous Flow LVADS Improve Diastolic Dysfunction?

  AUTHORS: Nandini Nair, Sudhir Thotakura, Enrique Gongora

  KEYWORDS: Continuous Flow Device, Diastolic Function, HeartMate IITM, Left Ventricular Assist Devise

  JOURNAL NAME: Open Journal of Organ Transplant Surgery, Vol.4 No.3, August 5, 2014

  ABSTRACT: Background: Ventricular assist devices are now used as a bridge to recovery/decision/transplant or as destination therapy in end-stage heart failure. Continued improvements in technology and pump design have made implantation an easier process with reduced operative risks and pump-related adverse events. Considering the beneficial effects of these devices in the clinical setting, it seemed logical to address the long-term effect of the continuous flow pumps on diastolic dysfunction. Methods: This study addresses the effect of HeartMate IITM(HMII) support for 284+/－97 days on echocardiographic parameters of diastolic function. Data from fifteen patients was retrospectively studied status post left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. The data at approximately 1-year post implantation was compared with that obtained prior to implantation. Statistical analyses were performed using the Microsoft Excel Program/MSExcel Stats. Echocardiographic measurements were carried out in accordance with the American Society of Echocardiography guidelines. Results: Of all the echocardiographic parameters assessed only E/Ea and calculated left atrial pressure (LAP) showed a statistically significant decrease. Two parameters that showed a trend towards significance are Ea (septal) and global functional index (p = 0.05). Conclusions: Continuous Flow LVAD support appears to improve diastolic dysfunction. This study has limitations in that we used a single type of continuous flow device (HeartMate IITM) and was conducted as a retrospective analysis. Further studies with larger populations and longer support are required to validate this finding.