Mikroembolien und zerebrale Hämodynamik nach Implantation eines linksventrikulären Assist-Devices

Treatment options with mechanical circulatory support devices of the heart have a high potential for a majority of cardiac patients with heart insufficiency. This is important in respect to the decreasing availability of donor organs for heart transplantations. Left ventricular assisted devices can be successfully implanted intracorporeally, allow the patients a high mobility and have less complications. Although the treatment was developed to bridge the critical phases before heart transplantation, nowadays LVADs are used as destination therapy. The treatment requires attention to avoid complications, such as thrombosis, bleeding or infections of the drive line. Stroke is a challenge and neurologists are involved for the acute management on stroke units and rehabilitation centres. Since MRI is a contraindication ultrasound investigations could be relevant. The ultrasound examination requires special knowledge about the detection of cerebral microemboli and the cerebral haemodynamics. We present aspects about the ultrasound results in these patients.