Effects of continuous flow heart devices on brain circulation

Neurovascular Consequences of Non-Pulsatile Flow from Left Ventricular Assist Devices

NIH-funded research Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11001183

This study looks at how a special heart pump called a continuous flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD) affects blood flow in the brain for patients with advanced heart failure, helping us learn more about possible risks like strokes and bleeding after the device is put in.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionColumbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11001183 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how continuous flow left ventricular assist devices (CF-LVAD) affect blood flow in the brain. It focuses on patients with advanced heart failure who rely on these devices for support. By using transcranial Doppler ultrasound, the study will measure changes in cerebral circulation before and after the implantation of CF-LVAD. The goal is to understand the potential complications, such as strokes and bleeding, that may arise from non-pulsatile blood flow.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with end-stage heart failure who are receiving or are candidates for continuous flow left ventricular assist devices.

Not a fit: Patients who are not candidates for left ventricular assist devices or those with other unrelated neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved management and outcomes for patients using heart assist devices.

How similar studies have performed: While the effects of CF-LVAD on cerebral circulation have not been extensively studied, related research on blood flow dynamics in other contexts has shown promising results.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.