Blood biocompatibility analysis in the setting of ventricular assist devices.
Ventricular assist devices (VADs) are increasingly applied to support patients with advanced cardiac failure. While the benefit of VADs in supporting this patient group is clear, substantial morbidity and mortality occur during the VAD implant period due to thromboembolic and infective complications. Efforts at the University of Pittsburgh aimed at evaluating the blood biocompatibility of VADs in the clinical, animal, and in vitro setting over the past decade are summarized. Emphasis is placed on understanding the mechanisms of thrombosis and thromboembolism associated with these devices.
Wagner
W R
WR
Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA. wagnerwr@msx.upmc.edu
Schaub
R D
RD
Sorensen
E N
EN
Snyder
T A
TA
Wilhelm
C R
CR
Winowich
S
S
Borovetz
H S
HS
Kormos
R L
RL
D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000592:standards; D001769:Blood; D001777:Blood Coagulation / Q000187:drug effects; D004864:Equipment and Supplies; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control
D001672:Biocompatible Materials