Theoretical analysis of the impact of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) on pressure-volume loop in a normal left ventricle.

<p>The solid line represents the baseline pressure-volume (PV) loop. In partial LVAD support (p-LVAD), LVAD decreases left ventricle (LV) end-diastolic volume and increases mean arterial pressure (AP), which in turn increases end-systolic volume (dotted line). On the other hand, total LVAD support (t-LVAD) markedly lowers LV pressure to below AP yielding an extremely small PV area (double line). EDPVR, end-diastolic pressure volume relation; ESPVR, end-systolic pressure volume relation;.