Strokes in LVADS. Insights from Modelling Flow in the Circle of Willis

Strokes are a serious complication of LVADs and are especially known to occur with hypertension. Hypoperfusion of the innominate artery has been described in LVADS, especially in smaller diameter outflow grafts. (1) The normal circle of Willis is often incomplete and Hypoplasia of the posterior communicating artery is a common variant. Modelling flow in the circle of Willis may shed light on strokes in LVADS (1) Effect of Outflow Graft Size on Flow in the Aortic Arch and Cerebral Blood Flow in Continuous Flow Pumps: Possible Relevance to Strokes.ASAIO 63:2,144-149
Source: The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation - Category: Transplant Surgery Authors: Tags: 403 Source Type: research