Rebuttal from Eric J. Stöhr, Barry J. McDonnell, Paolo C. Colombo and Joshua Z. Willey

Abstract

Cornwell et al.(2018) provide irrefutable arguments that the human circulation is able to survive44onlower arterial oscillations than the normal arterial pulsatility. Thus, we agree that a key aim for future research will be to determine the optimal amount of pulsatility for each individual CF-46LVAD patient. To ultimately achieve a personalized therapeutic target, the optimal balance 47between LVAD device settings (including its effects on native heart function) and the patient’s 48pre-existing peripheral arterial health will need to be considered. At present, the consistentlylow49pulsatility in CF-LVAD patients is, in our opinion, still of concern.