ECG analysis during continuous-flow LVAD

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 destination therapy. For this reason, LVAD patients monitoring is of large interest, especially for the understanding of ventricular loading condition and its interaction with the assist device. Aim of this work is the investigation of possible relationships between the ventricular mechanical status (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 between ventricular volume and R wave peak amplitude. In addition, parameters from shape analysis of the QRS complex, during the changes of the pump speed were studied and did not exhibit any correlation with the left ventricular 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 monitoring strategies.