🫀 Pulse Index (PI) — What’s It Really Telling You? If you’re taking care of a patient with a LVAD (Heartmate specifically), you’ve probably seen that PI number on the controller. But what does it actually mean? Here’s your quick breakdown ⬇️ ✅ A higher PI means the patient’s heart is still contributing ⬇️ A lower PI means the LVAD is doing most of the work PI is influenced by: 🫀 LV contractility 🔁 LVAD speed A sudden drop in PI? Think: 🚨 Hypovolemia 🚨 Suction events 🚨 Arrhythmias 🚨 Tampon