Cardiovascular journal of Africa
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Observational Study
Fine-tuning management of the Heart Assist 5 left ventricular assist device with two- and three-dimensional echocardiography.
Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation is a viable therapy for patients with severe end-stage heart failure, providing effective haemodynamic support and improved quality of life. The Heart Assist 5 (Micromed Cardiovascular Inc, Houston, TX) continuous-flow LVAD has been on the market in Europe since May 2009. ⋯ We believe that TTE can play a major role in managing LVAD patients to achieve optimal settings for each patient. A large series is mandatory for assessment of echocardiographic studies on Heart Assist 5 LVAD.