Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 18, 2025
07:39
Use of a Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Device/Left Atrium to Femoral Artery Bypass System for Cardiogenic Shock
Published on: August 16, 2021
4.0K
Device-related epistaxis risk: continuous-flow left ventricular assist device-supported patients
Alper Koycu1, Omer Vural2, Melike Bahcecitapar3
1Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Baskent University, Ankara, 06490, Turkey.
Summary
Patients using continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (CF-LVAD) experienced more frequent nosebleeds and other bleeding events compared to those undergoing mitral valve replacement. CF-LVAD support may increase the risk of hemorrhagic complications.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Devices
- Hemorrhagic Complications
Background:
- Epistaxis is a common concern in patients with mechanical circulatory support.
- Understanding device-specific bleeding risks is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare epistaxis episodes in patients with continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (CF-LVAD) versus those undergoing mitral valve replacement (MVR).
- To investigate device-dependent factors contributing to bleeding complications under similar antithrombotic therapy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 179 patients (61 CF-LVAD, 118 MVR) between 2012-2018.
- Comparison of demographics, epistaxis, and nonepistaxis bleeding events.
- Control group received identical anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy.
Main Results:
- Higher frequency of bleeding episodes per month in the CF-LVAD group (p=0.003).
- Anterior septum was the most common bleeding site in both groups.
- Significantly higher rates of nonepistaxis bleeding in the CF-LVAD group (23%) compared to the MVR group (1.7%) (p<0.001).
Conclusions:
- Continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD) use is associated with increased epistaxis and nonepistaxis bleeding.
- CF-LVAD support may directly elevate the risk of hemorrhagic complications.
