Lung perfusion and ventilation during implantation of left ventricular assist device as a strategy to avoid postoperative pulmonary complications and right ventricular failure

Abstract

Right ventricular failure is a major contributor to increased morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing left ventricular assist device implantation. Cardiopulmonary bypass is associated with increased pulmonary ischaemia and pulmonary vascular resistance. Continuous pulmonary perfusion and ventilation represents an emerging strategy for pulmonary protection during cardiac surgery. We hypothesize that this technique may have a pivotal role in reducing postoperative right ventricular dysfunction in high-risk patients undergoing LVAD placement.