Interaction of Pulse Perception, Blood Pressure Measurements (By Doppler and Standard Cuff Techniques) and Visual Assessment of Aortic Valve Opening in Continuous Flow LVAD Patients in the Outpatient Setting

Physiological impact of continuous flow on end-organ function: clinical implications in the current era of left ventricular assist devices

The clinical era of continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices has debunked many myths about the dire need of a pulse for human existence. While this therapy has been documented to provide a clear survival benefit in end-stage heart failure patients, we are now faced with certain morbidity challenges that as of yet have no easy mechanistic physiological explanation. The effect of physiological changes on end-organ function in patients supported by continuous-flow ventricular assist devices may offer insight into some of these morbidities. We therefore present a review of current evidence documenting the impact of continuous flow on end-organ function.