Is flow really continuous in last generation continuous flow Ventricular Assist Devices? A comparison between HeartMate II and HeartWare HVAD.

The article discusses new generation continuous-flow ventricular assist devices (VADs) and compares HeartMate II axial pump and HeartWare HVAD centrifugal pump. Continuous-flow VADs are the standard of care for mechanical circulatory support; their use has resulted in improvements in organ function. Presence of flow pulsatility in both central and peripheral vessels in patients implanted with last generation continuous-flow VADs, with similar parameters in axial and centrifugal pumps was noted.