Effects of Artificial Heart Pumping on Hemorheology

Alterations in hemorheology were studied in 19 patients supported by the Jarvik-7 total artificial heart (TAH) anywhere from 1 to 48 days as a bridge-to-cardiac transplantation. Abnormally increased blood viscosity, red cell rigidity and plasma fibrinogen were observed for all patients during TAH implantation. It is also found that periods during which rheological parameters were markedly elevated were associated with neurological deficits, thromboembolic events or the onset of severe clinical deterioration. These results indicate that the TAH has a significant impact on hemorheology and that abnormalities in hemorheology of these patients can be translated into important indicators of associated neurological deficits, multi-organ failure, thromboembolic events and/or thrombus formation on the device itself. Our findings demonstrate that the therapeutic management fo key rheologic parameters is a unique as well as necessary approach to the treatment of patients with artificial heart implants.