Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.3325/cmj.2014.55.609
Why pulsatility still matters: a review of current knowledge
Davor Barić
orcid.org/0000-0001-5955-0275
; Department of Cardiac Surgery andTransplantation, Dubrava UniversityHospital, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
Continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) have
become standard therapy option for patients with advanced
heart failure. They offer several advantages over
previously used pulsatile-flow LVADs, including improved
durability, less surgical trauma, higher energy efficiency,
and lower thrombogenicity. These benefits translate into
better survival, lower frequency of adverse events, improved
quality of life, and higher functional capacity of
patients. However, mounting evidence shows unanticipated
consequences of continuous-flow support, such as
acquired aortic valve insufficiency and acquired von Willebrand
syndrome. In this review article we discuss current
evidence on differences between continuous and pulsatile
mechanical circulatory support, with a focus on clinical implications
and potential benefits of pulsatile flow.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
139289
URI
Publication date:
15.12.2014.
Visits: 1.383 *