Evaluation of late aortic insufficiency with continuous flow left ventricular assist device

The paper evaluates de novo development of aortic insufficiency (AI) following implantation of continuous flow left ventricular assist (84 HeartMate II, 13 HeartWare, 2 VentrAssist). Preoperatively, 17 patients had mild AI, which did not change later. Fourty-three of the other 82 patients developed new AI, with no influence on survival.  Rate of freedom from de novo AI at 1 year after VAD implantation was 35.9%. Smaller body surface area, larger aortic root diameter and higher pulmonary artery systolic pressure were identified as the independent preoperative risk factors.