Supporting the Right Heart—Do It Right and Do It Early

Abstract

Right ventricular (RV) failure is a known and dreaded complication associated with left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. It occurs in 9% to 42% of patients1 and confers an increased risk of morbidity and mortality after LVAD implantation.2 RV failure after LVAD implantation is associated with a 3-fold increase in mortality risk at 6 months. And 1-year survival drops to below 50% once biventricular support is required.1 Thus, identifying LVAD patients who may need RV support, determining when to initiate RV support, and choosing the most suitable temporary mechanical circulatory support (MCS) device are all vitally important.