Right Ventricular Failure

Interest in the right ventricle has increased because of advances in pulmonary hypertension treatment, improved diagnostic technology, and increased implantation of left ventricular assist devices and other mechanical circulatory assist devices. Right ventricular dysfunction is an independent predictor of mortality in patients with chronic heart failure. The purpose of this article is to describe the normal structure and function of the right ventricle, causes of right ventricular dysfunction leading to right ventricular failure, diagnostic hemodynamic assessments, and management of right ventricular failure in the critical care unit.