Microfludic platforms for the evaluation of anti-platelet agent efficacy under hyper-shear conditions associated with ventricular assist devices

Mechanical circulatory support devices, such as ventricular assist devices (VADs), continue to emerge as effective therapy for patients with advanced and end-stage heart failure [1,2]. Despite significant improvement of patient survival and quality of life associated with VADs versus medical treatment [3], VAD therapy remains plagued by post-implant adverse events including thrombosis, hemolysis, bleeding and infection [4]. Thrombus formation, in particular, is a frequent and serious complication [5] often occurring within the first year post-implant.

Source: Medical Engineering and Physics - August 28, 2017 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Annalisa Dimasi, Marco Rasponi, Filippo Consolo, Gianfranco B. Fiore, Danny Bluestein, Marvin J. Slepian, Alberto Redaelli Source Type: research