Blood pressure and stroke risk in left ventricular assist devices

Ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke are one of the most devastating outcomes arising from treatment of end-stage congestive heart failure with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD)1. Stroke after LVAD is associated with increased risk of mortality and is a leading cause of not qualifying for transplantation. The risk of stroke is one of many factors limiting more widespread adoption of this technology for end-stage heart failure. The risk factors for stroke in LVAD have been the subject of several studies, with recent infection2 and changes in anti-thrombotics being commonly found3.
Source: The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation - Category: Transplant Surgery Authors: Source Type: research