Neurologic Events in Continuous-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Devices

Ajay Kadakkal; Samer S Najjar

doi:10.1016/j.ccl.2018.06.007

Neurologic Events in Continuous-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Devices

Cardiol Clin. 2018 Nov;36(4):531-539. doi: 10.1016/j.ccl.2018.06.007.

Authors

Ajay Kadakkal¹, Samer S Najjar²

Affiliations

¹ Advanced Heart Failure Program, MedStar Heart and Vascular Institute, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, 110 Irving Street, Northwest Room 1F-1222, Washington, DC 20010, USA.
² Advanced Heart Failure Program, MedStar Heart and Vascular Institute, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, 110 Irving Street, Northwest Room 1F-1219, Washington, DC 20010, USA. Electronic address: Samer.S.Najjar@MedStar.net.

PMID: 30297070
DOI: 10.1016/j.ccl.2018.06.007

Abstract

Although the growing use of continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) has improved the survival and quality of life of patients with stage D heart failure, ischemic and hemorrhagic cerebrovascular accidents remain one of the most-feared complications of this therapy and a significant source of disability, morbidity, and mortality. In this article, the authors aim to summarize the current data regarding the incidence/prevalence of both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke in patients with continuous-flow LVADs, compare axial and centrifugal devices, and discuss the major risk factors for neurologic events that have been identified.

Keywords: Hemorrhagic stroke; Hypertension; Ischemic stroke; LVAD; Mechanical circulatory support; Neurologic events.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Global Health
Heart Failure / surgery*
Heart-Assist Devices / adverse effects*
Humans
Morbidity / trends
Prosthesis Design
Stroke / epidemiology
Stroke / etiology*