Pulse wave analysis in the assessment of patients with left ventricular assist device

Central aortic pressure determines perfusion of vital organs, and its preci se determination is particularly important in low-output syndromes. Because peripheral pressure values are not equal to the corresponding pressures in the aorta, we used a validated system that employs the principle of applan ation tonometry for non-invasive recording of radial arterial pulse and det ermination of central aortic pressure waveform in patients who underwent im plantation of left ventricular assist device. We observed significant impro vement after assist device implantation; however, a discrepancy between per ipheral and central pressure values was evident both before and after impla ntation. This non-invasive technique may prove particularly useful in repea t evaluation of patients in long-term follow-up and may provide valuable in sights for coupling between the assist device and the vascular system.