Abstract
Acquired von Willebrand Syndrome (AVWS) in patients undergoing continuous-flow left ventricular assist device support is due to the loss of von Willebrand factor (vWF) high molecular weight multimers (HMWMs) by shear-mediated mechanisms. We investigated whether reducing speed in vivo would mitigate the shear effect. In outpatients (n = 6) with a HeartMate II, pump speed was decreased to 8,000 rpm for 6 hours. At baseline (9,140 ± 189 rpm), patients had an AVWS as evidenced by low vWF activity:antigen ratios (0.58 ± 0.13, normal >0.7) and reduced HMWMs. After 6 hours, there was no significant change in either the vWF activity:antigen ratio or the HMWMs. Decreasing pump speed does not ameliorate AVWS.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | E123-E125 |
| Journal | ASAIO Journal |
| Volume | 64 |
| Issue number | 5 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 1 Sep 2018 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Bleeding
- Rotor speed
- VWF deficiency