LV Assist Device (LVAD) Exam
Questions & Answers (Grade A+)
Name the devices/surgical approaches to LV assist device: -
correct answer ✅- Restraint therapy
- Impella device
- Intra-aortic balloon pump (aortic HF)
- Valve repair/replacement (reduced preload & afterload)
- CRT
- Heart transplant
Describe the usage of restraint therapy: -
correct answer ✅- Non-transplant surgical therapy
- Used on dilated, failing hearts
- Limits EDV/LV end diastolic stretch
Goals of restraint therapy include: -
correct answer ✅- Prevent further remodeling
- Improve ventricular function
- Decrease functional MR
- Improve patient symptoms
, LV Assist Device (LVAD) Exam
Questions & Answers (Grade A+)
Describe CoreCap: -
correct answer ✅- First and most extensively studied device
- Flexible mesh covering LV and RV
- Requires sternotomy
- Sutured circumferentially around AV groove
Describe Paracor HeartNet: -
correct answer ✅- Highly elastic Nitinol-mesh
- Implanted via left mini-thoracotomy
Describe Quantitative Ventricular Restraint: -
correct answer ✅- Allows for measurement & adjustment of
restraint level
- Inflatable balloon filling around RV and LV
- Outer layer is not elastic, inner layer is elastic
- As balloon inflates, pressure is directed to LV and RV
Primary reasons for a VSD: -
correct answer ✅- Bridge to transplantation - extend life
- Bridge to recovery - HF remission
- Destination therapy - long term
Questions & Answers (Grade A+)
Name the devices/surgical approaches to LV assist device: -
correct answer ✅- Restraint therapy
- Impella device
- Intra-aortic balloon pump (aortic HF)
- Valve repair/replacement (reduced preload & afterload)
- CRT
- Heart transplant
Describe the usage of restraint therapy: -
correct answer ✅- Non-transplant surgical therapy
- Used on dilated, failing hearts
- Limits EDV/LV end diastolic stretch
Goals of restraint therapy include: -
correct answer ✅- Prevent further remodeling
- Improve ventricular function
- Decrease functional MR
- Improve patient symptoms
, LV Assist Device (LVAD) Exam
Questions & Answers (Grade A+)
Describe CoreCap: -
correct answer ✅- First and most extensively studied device
- Flexible mesh covering LV and RV
- Requires sternotomy
- Sutured circumferentially around AV groove
Describe Paracor HeartNet: -
correct answer ✅- Highly elastic Nitinol-mesh
- Implanted via left mini-thoracotomy
Describe Quantitative Ventricular Restraint: -
correct answer ✅- Allows for measurement & adjustment of
restraint level
- Inflatable balloon filling around RV and LV
- Outer layer is not elastic, inner layer is elastic
- As balloon inflates, pressure is directed to LV and RV
Primary reasons for a VSD: -
correct answer ✅- Bridge to transplantation - extend life
- Bridge to recovery - HF remission
- Destination therapy - long term
