Low-dose Vitamin K can Improve Warfarin Control in Patients on LVAD Support

Background Anticoagulation with oral vitamin K antagonists (VKA) is very important in patients supported on a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) to prevent thromboembolic complications. Some patients tolerate VKAs poorly and have an unstable INR as a result. It is reported that low-dose vitamin K can improve INR control in patients with an unstable INR in other clinical settings. We evaluated its safety and effectiveness in patients on LVAD support. Methods