Deep Y-Descent in Right Atrial Waveforms Following Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation

J Card Fail. 2020 Apr;26(4):360-367. doi: 10.1016/j.cardfail.2020.01.004. Epub 2020 Jan 11.

Abstract

Background: Characterization of right heart catheterization (RHC) waveforms provides diagnostic and clinical information in heart failure patients. We aimed to investigate the implication of RHC waveforms, specifically the y-descent, in patients with left ventricular assist device (LVAD).

Methods and results: Patients underwent RHC and waveforms were quantified prior to and 6 months after LVAD implantation. The impact of a deep y-descent (>3 mmHg) on echocardiographic measures of right heart function and 1-year hemocompatibility-related adverse event rates were investigated. Eighty-nine patients (median 59 years old, 65 male) underwent RHC. RHC waveform showed unique changes following LVAD implantation, particularly an increase in the steepness of the y-descent. A post-LVAD deep y-descent was associated with reduced right ventricular function and enlarged right heart. Patients with post-LVAD deep y-descent had higher rates of gastrointestinal bleeding (0.866 vs 0.191 events/year) and stroke (0.199 vs 0 events/year) compared with those without (P< .05 for both).

Conclusion: RHC waveforms characterized by deep y-descent on RHC waveform during LVAD support was associated with impaired right ventricular function and worse clinical outcomes.

Keywords: Heart failure; hemocompatibility; hemodynamic.

MeSH terms

  • Echocardiography
  • Heart Failure* / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Failure* / therapy
  • Heart-Assist Devices*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Right*
  • Ventricular Function, Right