Yost G, et al. - Researchers investigated the prognostic value of changes in B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) -- a cardiac neurohormone known to correlate with left ventricular (LV) dilation, decreased contractility, and increased stiffness -- in assessing the degree of LV unloading for patients supported by continuous-flow LV assist devices (LVADs). Changes in BNP were assessed in the 2 weeks after LVAD implantation in this retrospective study of 189 LVAD patients. Outcomes revealed an association of lack of improvement in postoperative BNP with longer length of stay and increased rates of right ventricular failure. It was identified to be an independent risk factor for reduced postoperative survival.