• 1. Department of Cardiac Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, P. R. China;
  • 2. Gulou Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210008, P. R. China;
  • 3. Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Gulou Clinical College, Nanjing, 210008, P. R. China;
PAN Jun, Email: nangonghongliu@163.com
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Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) serve as a critical therapeutic option for patients with end-stage heart failure, significantly enhancing survival rates and quality of life. However, LVAD implantation exerts complex and profound effects on right ventricular (RV) function, with RV dysfunction emerging as a key factor influencing the prognosis of LVAD patients. This article systematically reviews the relationship between LVADs and RV function, exploring the importance of RV function in LVAD patients, assessment methods, underlying mechanisms of impact, and strategies for prevention and management. Comprehensive evidence suggests that preoperative evaluation of RV function is crucial for predicting the risk of RV dysfunction, while effective prevention and management rely on preoperative optimization, meticulous intraoperative techniques, rigorous postoperative monitoring, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Furthermore, this review discusses the potential and future directions of emerging technologies, such as improved LVAD designs, biventricular assist devices, gene therapy, and personalized medicine, in ameliorating RV dysfunction. In conclusion, RV function is one of the key determinants of successful LVAD therapy. Through comprehensive assessment, prevention, and management of RV function, coupled with the application of novel technologies, the clinical outcomes of LVAD patients can be further improved.

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