Kaya, E.Kocabaş, U.Şimşek, E.Nalbantgil, S.Engin, Ç.Özbaran, M.Akilli, A.2024-08-252024-08-2520231058-2916https://doi.org/10.1097/MAT.0000000000002025https://hdl.handle.net/11454/101099This study aimed to evaluate the effects of aortic valve opening patterns on endothelial functions in patients undergoing continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD) implantation. This study included 43 patients who underwent CF-LVAD implantation and 35 patients with heart failure reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF; control group). The CF-LVAD group was divided into three subgroups based on aortic valve opening patterns: open with each beat, intermittently opening, and not opening groups. Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) and pulsatility index (PI) were compared before and 3 months after CF-LVAD implantation. Cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) and 6 minute walk test (6-MWT) scores were measured at baseline and follow-up in the CF-LVAD group. The mean FMD and PI of patients in the CF-LVAD group reduced 3 months after implantation. Patients with intermittently opening and not opening aortic valves had worse endothelial function at follow-up. Before and 3 months after implantation FMD% did not significantly differ in patients whose aortic valves were open with each beat (4.72 ± 1.06% vs. 4.67 ± 1.16%, p = 0.135). Pulsatility index changes paralleled FMD changes. Cardiopulmonary exercise test and 6-MWT scores improved after implantation but without significant differences between subgroups. Maintaining normal aortic valve function after CF-LVAD implantation may reduce endothelial dysfunction; however, larger studies are needed for long-term clinical effects. © 2023 Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. All rights reserved.en10.1097/MAT.0000000000002025info:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessaortic valvecontinuous-flow left ventricular assist deviceendothelial dysfunctionflow-mediated dilatationheart failureheart failure reduced ejection fractionpulsatility indexBlood vesselsCardiologyFailure (mechanical)Fiber optic sensorsAortic valvesContinuous-flowContinuous-flow leave ventricular assist deviceEjection fractionEndothelial dysfunctionFlow-mediated dilatationHeart failureHeart failure reduced ejection fractionPulsatility indexLeft ventricular assist devicesArticle6910E429E4362-s2.0-8517426988037773149Q1