Some patients with advanced heart failure can benefit from the support of a continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD) to sustain heart function. However, despite improvements managing complications associated with the use of CF-LVADs, stroke continues to be a major adverse event after the implantation of the device. Early detection and management of post-CF-LVAD strokes is crucial for improving outcomes.
Our goal in this study was to identify a way to predict the risk of future strokes that may occur after CF-LVADs implantation." Dr. Nandan Mondal, co-corresponding author of the work assistant professor in the Michael E.
DeBakey Department of Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine Previous studies have shown that mitochondria, cellular structures that provide cells with the energy they need to conduct their activities, play a vital role in stroke. Specifically, reduced levels of OxPhos mitochondrial proteins in white blood cells have been associated with disease severity. "In the current study, published in ASAIO Journal , we investigated whether the levels of OxPhos in white blood cells could help predict the risk of stroke after CF-LVAD implantation," said first author Jacob P.
Scioscia, a medical student at Baylor conducting research in the Mondal lab. Scioscia learned about the project in Baylor's SOAR database. SOAR – the Office of Student Opportunities for Advancement in Research – is dedicated to educating and supporting BCM medical students in pursui.