Increased Vascular Expression of the Proinflammatory Adhesion Molecules VCAM and E-Selectin and Endothelial Depletion of vWF Following Continuous Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device Placement

The implantation of left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) has been established as a standard therapy for the treatment of patients with advanced heart failure. Complications following LVAD placement include aortic insufficiency and aortic root dilation. Aim of this study was to analyze whether the histomorphologic and inflammatory changes develop in the aortic wall following the implantation of continuous flow LVAD.