LVAD/RVAD/Heart Transplant Flashcards
What were the first generation LVADs?
HeartMate1, Thoratec PVAD, and Novacor N100; they were pulsatile
What is the difference between centrifugal and axial flow LVADs?
Axial flow = blood enters one end of a rotor and is driven along the axia of the rotor to the outflow (higher shear stress and hemolysis); Centrifugal flow = blood enters at the central axis and is driven outward to the outflow pump (less shear stress)
Which LVAD works via axial flow?
HeartMate II
What are the 6 components of an LVAD?
Inflow cannula + pump + outflow cannula + percutaneous driveline + power supply + controller
What are absolute contraindications for an LVAD?
Unrepaired VSD/PFO/ASD + acute endocarditis + aortic dissection + AI >/= moderate + mechanical AV (increased risk of thrombus)
What considerations should you have with your anesthetics in a minimally invasive LVAD implantation?
Peripheral CPB + ventilation required while on CPB + one lung ventilation at times + TEE
What are pre-implantation red flag findings on TEE?
LV and interventricular septum findings (small LV size, thrombus, aneurysm, or VSD) + RV (dilation or decreased function) + LAA thrombus + PFO/ASD + valvular abnormalities (prosthetic valves, >mild AI, mod/sev MS, mod/sev TR, > mild TS, > mild PS, mod/sev PR) + acute aortic pathology + mobile mass lesion
What are post-implantation red flag findings on TEE?
Septal shifts + size of LV (large or small) + RV dysfunction + > mild AI + mod/sev TR + turbulent outflow
What is the pulse index?
A unitless value that averages the number of LV contractions (flow pulses) over a 15 sec interval
What are you concerned about if you see an alarm for high flow? Low flow?
High flow = vasodilatory state (i.e. sepsis -> consider vasopressor); Low flow = suction event (i.e. hypovolemia)
What are you concerned about if you see an alarm for high power? Low power?
High power = pump thrombosis (tx = anticoagulation or pump exchange); Low power = Pump failure/ disconnection
What are you concerned about if you see an alarm for low pulse index?
Suction event
How much can an Impella RP flow?
Up to 5L/min of axial flow
Where does an Impella RP sit?
Usually starts at the femoral vein; the silver ball outlet should be 2-4cm from the pulmonic valve while the inlet should be at the level of the IVC
What is the ProtekDuo?
Dual-lumen cannula where inflow sits in SVC/RA junction and the second lumen (outflow) sits in the PA; usually accessed via the RIJ and can give 4-5 L/min of centrifugal flow; you can also ambulate unlike the Impella RP