Coronary Artery Remodeling and Fibrosis With Continuous-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device Support [Emerging Investigators]

Conclusions: Among patients supported with CF-LVADs, the coronary arteries develop marked remodeling with increased adventitial fibrosis. The physiological consequences of these structural changes are unknown, but it is possible that arterial contractility may be impaired, thus limiting coronary flow reserve and promoting myocardial ischemia. This may contribute to CF-LVAD complications, such as ventricular arrhythmias and right ventricular failure. As more patients receive CF-LVADs and new pump technology attempts to modulate flow profiles and pulsatility, further research is needed to understand the mechanisms and long-term sequela of these changes in coronary arteries and other vascular beds.
Source: Circulation: Heart Failure - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: Coronary Circulation, Translational Studies, Vascular Biology, Heart Failure, Transplantation Emerging Investigators Source Type: research