39 Development of Aortic Insufficiency after Heart Mate II Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation in 71 Patients

Introduction: Aortic insufficiency (AI) following left ventricular assist device (LVAD) placement affects device performance. The aim of this study was to examine AI development following LVAD implantation. Conclusion: AI develops over time in significant number of patients on HMII LVADs. It is more common in patients with closed aortic valve, aortic root dilatation and longer period of VAD support. As more patients require long-term VAD support, the development of AI will need careful attention and monitoring. Methodolgy: Seventy one patients with no AI (N=66) or trivial AI (N=5) prior to Heart Mate II LVAD implantation were examined in patients after destination therapy (N=63, 89%) and bridge to transplant (N=8, 11%) device therapy. Pre and post operative echocardiograms (352) were reviewed at following intervals: 0-3, 3-6, 6-12, 12-18 and 18-24 months.