Monitoring weaning from BIVAD thoratec with peak oxygen consumption

Abstract A biventricular assistance device has been implanted in a young woman for a peripartum cardiac failure. An intended weaning consisted of gradual reloading and exercise training monitored with peak oxygen consumption (Vo 2 ) and radionuclide-left ventricle ejection fraction. Progressive increase in peak Vo 2 during partial assistance occurred more than 2 months, from 10.3 to 19 mL · kg −1 · min −1 . Successful explantation was realized when peak Vo 2 exceeded 15 mL · kg −1 · min −1 and radionuclide-left ventricle ejection fraction was more than 40% during off-pump testing.