Carotid Artery Blood Flow and Its Association with Stroke during Left Ventricular Assist Device Support

Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) surgery is a life-prolonging therapy for advanced heart failure (HF). Despite many improvements over the years, LVADs continue to be associated with a high incidence of stroke and other vascular complications such as gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB). At present, the pathogenesis of these complications during LVAD support remains unclear. Abnormal structure and hemodynamics in large arteries are a potential contributor. We hypothesized that structural abnormalities and flow alterations will be significantly associated with stroke and a composite outcome of stroke, GIB, and death in HF patients before and during LVAD support.

Source: The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation - March 16, 2019 Category: Transplant Surgery Authors: M.E. Kiyatkin, A.M. Zuver, A. Gaudig, M. Tiburcio, B.J. McDonnell, M. Yuzefpolskaya, P.C. Colombo, E.J. St öhr, J.Z. Willey Tags: 401 Source Type: research