Vascular inflammation and abnormal aortic histomorphometry in patients after pulsatile- and continuous-flow left ventricular assist device placement

Left ventricular assist device implantation is associated with distinct vascular derangements with development of vascular inflammation. These changes are pronounced in patients on continuous-flow left ventricular assist and associated with aortic media decellularization. The present findings help to explain the progressive aortic root dilation and vascular dysfunction in patients after continuous-flow device placement.