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 (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | E123-E125 |
Journal | ASAIO Journal |
Volume | 64 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 1 2018 |
Keywords
- Bleeding
- Rotor speed
- VWF deficiency
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Biophysics
- Bioengineering
- Biomaterials
- Biomedical Engineering