Long-Term Ventricular Assist Devices – Main Complications in Contemporary Clinical Practice

Abstract

Advanced heart failure (HF) is associated with reduced quality of life and high hospitalization and mortality rates. Ventricular assist devices (VADs) promote an increase in cardiac output, and consequently improvements in body functions, functional capacity and patient survival. However, the use of VAD may be associated with complications and require systematic and specialized care. Ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke is among the most feared complications and its occurrence is related to thrombus formation in the pump. The connection between the [...]