Pulmonary Pressure Assessment with the Total Artificial Heart

ASAIO J. 2018 May/Jun;64(3):e34-e36. doi: 10.1097/MAT.0000000000000632.

Abstract

Reversal of pulmonary hypertension has been observed in patients during a bridge to transplant with a left ventricular assist device. Total artificial heart (TAH) implant prevents subsequent right heart catheterization. Consequently, controversy exists over whether the prosthetic right ventricle improves or exacerbates pulmonary hypertension. A pulmonary artery (PA) pressure monitor was placed in two patients undergoing TAH implant, as a bridge to transplant. One patient had pulmonary hypertension at implant; the other had normal pulmonary pressures. Daily measurements were taken of systolic, diastolic, and mean PA pressures throughout support. Patient 1 received successful transplant after TAH support of 91 days. Systolic/diastolic (mean) PA pressures steadily decreased from 55/39 (28) mm Hg at implant to 29/18 (7) mm Hg currently. Patient 2 received support for 101 days before death due to abdominal ischemic complications. Pulmonary arterial pressures stayed consistent throughout this period, from 26/17 (20) mm Hg at implant to 23/13 (17) mm Hg at the time of death. These findings suggest that an implantable PA pressure monitor may be useful in optimizing hemodynamics and planning appropriate timing of transplant with TAH support.

MeSH terms

  • Cardiac Catheterization / methods
  • Heart-Assist Devices*
  • Hemodynamics
  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / diagnosis*
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / physiopathology
  • Lung / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Monitoring, Physiologic / instrumentation
  • Monitoring, Physiologic / methods*
  • Pulmonary Artery / surgery
  • Transducers, Pressure*