Role of multimodality imaging in patients with left ventricular assist device.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The article provides an overview of recent advances in imaging patients with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD).

RECENT FINDINGS: There is a growing population of patients with LVADs. LVADs improve survival in patients with end-stage heart failure, but are also associated with significant adverse outcomes. Imaging, particularly echocardiography, plays a critical role in patient selection and in predicting and detecting complications.

SUMMARY: Recent studies have illustrated links between imaging parameters with adverse outcomes, such as pump thrombosis, right ventricular failure, and continuous aortic regurgitation. Novel parameters and imaging techniques have been developed.