Evaluation of flow-modulation approaches in ventricular assist devices using an in-vitro endothelial cell culture model

Continuous-flow ventricular assist devices (CF-VADs) produce non-physiologic flow with diminished pulsatility, which is a major risk factor for development of adverse events, including gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Introduction of artificial pulsatility by modulating CF-VAD flow has been suggested as a potential solution. However, the levels of pulsatility and frequency of CF-VAD modulation necessary to prevent adverse events are currently unknown and need to be evaluated.
Source: The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation - Category: Transplant Surgery Authors: Tags: ORIGINAL PRE-CLINICAL SCIENCE Source Type: research