Analysis of aortic valve commissural fusion after support with continuous-flow left ventricular assist device.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (cf-LVADs) may induce commissural fusion of the aortic valve leaflets. Factors associated with this occurrence of commissural fusion are unknown. The aim of this study was to examine histological characteristics of cf-LVAD-induced commissural fusion in relation to clinical variables.

Methods

Gross and histopathological examinations were performed on 19 hearts from patients supported by either HeartMate II (n = 17) or HeartWare (n = 2) cf-LVADs and related to clinical characteristics (14 heart transplantation, 5 autopsy).

Results

Eleven of the 19 (58%) aortic valves showed fusion of single or multiple commissures (total fusion length 11 mm [4-20] (median [interquartile range]) per valve), some leading to notice

SUBMITTER: Martina JR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3781792 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature