Monitoring weaning from BIVAD thoratec with peak oxygen consumption

A biventricular assistance device has been implanted in a young woman for a peripartum cardiac failure. An intended weaning consisted of gradual reloading and exercise training monitored with peak oxygen consumption (V 2) and radionuclide-left ventricle ejection fraction. Progressive increase in peak V 2during partial assistance occurred more than 2 months, from 10.3 to 19 mL • kg−1 • min−1. Successful explantation was realized when peak V 2 exceeded 15 mL • kg−1 • min−1 and radionuclide-left ventricle ejection fraction was more than 40% during off-pump testing.