De Novo Aortic Regurgitation After Continuous-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation

Continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (cf-LVAD) play an important role in the management of patients with advanced heart failure. De novo aortic regurgitation after cf-LVAD implantation may adversely impact device performance. We performed a systematic search of PubMed, SCOPUS, and Cochrane Library for articles reporting on the incidence and predictors of de novo aortic regurgitation among cf-LVAD recipients. Eight studies totaling 548 patients were identified in the meta-analysis. The pooled incidence of de novo AR across the analyzed studies was 37%. Factors influencing its development and progression are older age, persistent aortic valve closure, being female, and duration of cf-LVAD support.