Blood biocompatibility analysis in the setting of ventricular assist devices

Ventricular assist devices (VADs) are increasingly applied to support patie nts with advanced cardiac failure. While the benefit of VADs in supporting this patient group is clear, substantial morbidity and mortality occur duri ng the VAD implant period due to thromboembolic and infective complications , Efforts at the University of Pittsburgh aimed at evaluating the blood bio compatibility of VADs in the clinical, animal, and in vitro setting over th e past decade are summarized. Emphasis is placed on understanding the mecha nisms of thrombosis and thromboembolism associated with these devices.