Background: Pump speed optimization in patients implanted with a ventricular assist device represents a major challenge during the follow-up period. We present our findings on whether combined invasive hemodynamic ramp tests and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) can help optimize patient management.
Methods: Eighteen patients implanted with a HeartMate 3 (HM3) device underwent ramp tests with right heart catheterization (including central venous pressure [CVP], pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure [PCWP], and blood pressure) and echocardiography. Data were recorded at up to 4 speed settings. Speed changes were in steps of 200 revolutions/min (rpm). Evaluation of functional capacity by CPX was conducted according to the modified Bruce protocol.
Results: Only 30% of patients had normal PCWPs at their original rpm settings. In going from lowest to highest speeds, cardiac output improved by 0.25 ± 0.35 L/min/step (total change, 1.28 ± 0.3 L/min), and PCWP decreased by 1.9 ± 0.73 mm Hg/step (total change, 6 ± 1.6 mm Hg). CVP and systolic blood pressure did not change significantly with rpm. The rpm assessment was adjusted based on test results to achieve CVPs and PCWPs as close to normal limits as possible, which was feasible in all patients. On CPX, all patients demonstrated good performance (peak VO2, 16.8 ± 3.5 mL/kg/min).
Conclusion: Hemodynamic ramp testing provides an objective means of optimizing rpm, and has the potential to provide good exercise tolerance.
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