Safeah Almaghrabi

Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Saudi Arabia

Title: Echo Assessment of Left Ventricle Assist Device

Biography

Safeah Almaghrabi is a registered cardiac sonographer with three years of clinical experience. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Echocardiography (Cardiovascular Technology) from King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences in 2021, and holds the Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) credential from the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI).

Abstract

Echocardiogram is mandated before, during and after Left Ventricle Assist Device implantation. Echo assessment pre-LVAD implantation include LV, RV, valvular lesions, cardiac shunts, and intracardiac thrombus assessment to determine the patient candidate for LVAD. Transesophageal echo is requested in the operation room during LVAD implantation for proper insertion and orientation of the cannulas. Moreover, Transthoracic echo is a must after LVAD implantation to check LVAD cannulas, aortic valve, and any complications after the implantation. Echocardiography is essential for LVAD patients to follow up the device function and to detect complications. Follow ups is also important for patient who recover good left ventricle function to allow LVAD explanation.