Key result
Continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices are associated with an 18.9% to 22.3% incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding, which is considerably higher than the 10% incidence seen with older pulsatile devices.
Gastrointestinal bleeding is a frequent complication in CF-LVAD patients, driven by acquired von Willebrand disease and arteriovenous malformations, requiring individualized endoscopic and anticoagulation management.
Elevates GI bleeding vigilance in CF-LVAD care; leaves open optimal strategies for prospective trials.
Gastrointestinal bleeding is one of the most common complications in patients with continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices. Though the exact pathophysiology is still unclear, continuous-flow physiology, acquired Von Willebrand disease, and formation of arteriovenous malformations in the gastrointestinal tract are implicated. An individualized plan of endoscopic therapy and anticoagulation management is required when caring for these patients.
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Guha et al. (2015) conducted a review in Gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices. Continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (CF-LVADs) vs. Pulsatile LVADs was evaluated on Incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding. Continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices are associated with an 18.9% to 22.3% incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding, which is considerably higher than the 10% incidence seen with older pulsatile devices.
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