ventricular assist devices (LVAD) on renal function is uncertain. Methods and Materials: We retrospectively reviewed 100 patients who received either continuous (n 70; mean age 51.5 11.6 yrs, 83.3% male, 40% ischemic) or pulsatile (n 30; mean age 57.8 8.7 yrs, 93.4% male, 36.7% ischemic) LVAD implantation as a bridge to transplant therapy from 1994 to 2006. Renal function was assessed by 2 calculated glomerular filtration rates (GFR) using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD)-derived GFR and Cockcroft-Gault-derived creatinine clearance (CrCl) at LVAD implantation, in the post-implant period (wk 1, 2, 3, 4; mo 2, mo3), and at transplantation. Results: There was no difference in patient survival between the 2 groups. The 6-month Kaplan-Meier estimate of survival was 60.6% for the continuous and 63.7% for the pulsatile device group. In the continuous and pulsatile device groups, 31 (44.4%) and 15 (50%) patients, respectively, underwent transplantation. At LVAD implantation, neither estimates of renal function showed a difference between the 2 groups (Continuous: GFR 63.2 22.7 mL/min/1.73m, CrCl 77.3 30.8 mL/min; Pulsatile: GFR 54.1 22.9 mL/min/1.73m, CrCl 65.1 31 mL/min). Similarly, in the post-implant period, neither estimates of renal function showed a difference between the 2 groups. At transplantation, with the Cockcroft-Gault calculated CrCl, the estimated renal function in the continuous device group was significantly improved compared to the pulsatile device group (Continuous: 94.7 24.8 mL/min; Pulsatile: 74.6 26.4 mL/min; p 0.015). Conclusions: Continuous flow LVADs provide adequate blood flow to maintain renal function that is comparable to pulsatile flow devices.