Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 4, 2026
In Vitro Thrombosis Test for Ventricular Assist Devices
Published on: March 21, 2025
Early Aspirin Nonresponders Identification by Routine Use of Aggregometry Test in Patients With Left Ventricle Assist
A Montalto1, M Comisso1, A Cammardella1
1Department of Cardiac Surgery and Heart Transplantation, San Camillo Hospital, Rome, Italy.
Abstract:
Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) management is very challenging since many adverse events can occur in ongoing patients. Inadequate anticoagulation treatment can lead to life-threatening situations like ischemic stroke or pump thrombosis. The main intention of our study was to investigate if early identification of aspirin nonresponders by using aggregometry can improve anticoagulation management, reducing the risk of pump thrombosis.
Methods:
From December 2010 to May 2018, 24 patients were implanted with a HeartMate II (HMII), 6 received a HeartWare HVAD system--full support VAD (HVAD), and 22 received a HeartMate III (HMIII). All patients were maintained with a target INR of 2.0 to 3.0. When the aggregometry test revealed a normal platelet function, 100 mg of aspirin were initiated. Only aspirin nonresponders were early identified by repeating the aggregometry after 7 days of aspirin administration. In acetylsalicylic acid nonresponder patients, 75 mg of clopidogrel was used, and the patients were tested again. Ticlopidine (250 mg) was used when clopidogrel was unsuccessful.
Results:
Four patients required modification in antiplatelet therapy. Three patients (5%), 2 HVAD and 1 HMII, suffered from pump thrombosis. One patient died as a consequence of a large intracranial hemorrhagic event following thrombolytic treatment. One patient required a pump exchange; in 1 patient, thrombolytic infusion was conducted successfully.
Conclusion:
Reported rates of pump thrombosis at 12 months for patients implanted with commonly used LVADs were 6% to 12% for axial-flow pumps and 8% with centrifugal-flow devices. In our series, the reported 5% overall incidence of pump thrombosis encourages the routine use of an aggregometry test for early identification of aspirin nonresponders.
