ECG analysis during continuous-flow LVAD
Résumé
Nowadays, left continuous-flow assist devices (LVAD) are used for the treatment of end-stage heart failure not only as bridge to transplantation but also as a destina- tion therapy. For this reason, LVAD patients monitoring is of large interest, especially for the understanding of ven- tricular loading condition and its interaction with the as- sist device. Aim of this work is the investigation of possi- ble relationships between the ventricular mechanical sta- tus (volume) and the electrical myocardial activity. To this aim, 6 pigs undergoing LVAD implantation were studied and analyzed. Different levels of support were investigated by changing LVAD speed with stepwise increments. The analysis revealed that there is a consistent relationship be- tween ventricular volume and R wave peak amplitude. In addition, parameters from shape analysis of the QRS com- plex, during the changes of the pump speed were studied and did not exhibit any correlation with the left ventricu- lar volume. In conclusion, the correlation found between the R wave peak and the ventricular volume can be further investigated for future non-invasive LVAD patient monitor- ing strategies.