Analysis of aortic valve commissural fusion after support with continuous-flow left ventricular assist device

摘要

OBJECTIVESContinuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (cf-LVADs) may induce commissural fusion of the aortic valve leaflets. Factors associated with this occurrence of commissural fusion are unknown. The aim of this study was to examine histological characteristics of cf-LVAD-induced commissural fusion in relation to clinical variables.