In Vitro Benchmarking Study of Ventricular Assist Devices in Current Clinical Use

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) offer live-saving therapy to transplant-ineligible heart failure patients. A major limitation of the technology includes pump thrombosis, bleeding, and recurrent infection that prove difficult to predict from in vivo animal testing. Shear stress introduced by the LVAD affects more than just haemolysis since platelets, leukocytes, and plasma proteins all contribute to the propensity for complications. It is important to assess overall damage by a new device against a base line as early as possible in the development process so that design iterations can be made if required.
Source: Journal of Cardiac Failure - Category: Cardiology Authors: Source Type: research