Pulmonary artery pulsatility index predicts prolonged inotrope/pulmonary vasodilator use after implantation of continuous flow left ventricular assist device.

The need for inotropes/pulmonary vasodilators in the postoperative period can be predicted by the preimplantation intrinsic RV contractile reserve as assessed by PAPi rather than the markers of RV afterload. Further investigation and correlation with clinical outcomes is needed.