A Wireless, Wearable Ultrasound for Assessing Left Ventricular Assist Device Hemodynamics: A Case Series

Abstract Optimizing left ventricular assist device (LVAD)–patient interaction is important. This is typically accomplished via an outpatient ramp test, monitored by echocardiography and/or invasive measures. We have developed a wireless, wearable Doppler ultrasound that we hypothesized would detect relatively small (i.e., ± 5%) changes in LVAD pump speed (Rpm ∆ ) with the patient in the upright position. From the wearable ultrasound, peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), total velocity time integral (VTI), Doppler pulsatility index, and the internal jugular vein spectrum were synchronously captured. Rpm ∆ was best reflected in the EDV and Doppler pulsatility index, whereas the PSV and total VTI showed variable responses. The internal jugular spectrum of one patient was consistent with high central venous pressure throughout the procedure. A wireless, wearable Doppler ultrasound synchronously insonating the common carotid artery and internal jugular vein provides novel and promising insights during LVAD Rpm ∆ .