The Challenges of Aortic Valve Management After Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation.

Background: Continuous retrograde flow across the aortic valve from left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy can result in cusp damage and progressive aortic regurgitation, potentially triggering recurrent heart and multiorgan failure. The management of aortic regurgitation after LVAD implantation has not been well defined.

Methods: This study retrospectively reviewed the investigators' experience with the management of de novo aortic regurgitation requiring intervention in patients with continuous-flow LVAD.