Spectral Doppler and plethysmographic waveforms vary significantly in the presence of circulatory assist devices. Understanding the effect these devices have on the waveforms and flow characteristics is necessary for the appropriate interpretation of duplex ultrasound and other noninvasive vascular studies. We review the different arterial waveforms that can be seen with circulatory assist devices.
Keywords: arterial physiologic study; circulatory assist devices; duplex ultrasound; extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation; intra-aortic balloon pump; left ventricular assist device; noninvasive vascular testing.