In this episode, we review patient selection for left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), LVAD types, components, physiology, and troubleshooting. LVAD evaluation may be reasonable in patients in which INTERMACS profiles? What is the function of the driveline, system controller, pump cable, and rotor of the LVAD? What is a typical fixed speed, and how close should the actual speed be to the fixed speed? What low speed limit should you set relative to the fixed speed? Which parameter is inversely proportional to the difference in left ventricular pressure (P_inflow) and aortic pressure (P_outflow)? What is a normal range for flow? What does a gradual creep-up in power required suggest? Which parameter is defined as 10 times the (Power_Max - Power_Min)/Power_Avg, over 15-second intervals? What is a normal range for pulsatility index (PI)? What is a PI event? What are triggers of PI events other than suction events? How do LVAD parameters like speed, flow, power, and pulsatility index help in monitoring and troubleshooting device function? What is the approach to LVAD thrombosis, bleeding, and ventricular arrhythmias? What mean arterial blood pressure should be targeted in patients with LVAD? Tune in for answers to these questions.

Difficulty Level: Advanced

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