The role of echocardiography and other imaging modalities in patients with left ventricular assist devices

Abstract

Recent advances in the field of left ventricular device support have led to an increased use of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) in patients with end stage heart disease. The primary imaging modality to monitor patients with LVADs has been echocardiography. The purpose of this review is to highlight the clinical role of echo and other noninvasive imaging modalities in the assessment of cardiac structure and function in patients with pulsatile and continuous flow LVADs. In addition, we discuss the role of imaging with emphasis on echo to detect LVAD dysfunction and device related complications.