Figure 3. Ineffective blood flow in patients with a left ventricular assist device and aortic insufficiency.

A, Displays the ineffective (circular) flow of blood in patients with a left ventricular assist device and aortic insufficiency. Blood is flowing primarily from the left ventricular apex to the pump, to the aorta, back through the incompetent aortic valve, and back to the left ventricular apex and pump without flowing to the periphery. B, Displays the normal flow of blood in patients with a left ventricular assist device and no aortic insufficiency. LA indicates left atrium; LV, left ventricle; LVAD, left ventricular assist device; RA, right atrium; and RV, right ventricle.