Gender differences in the risk of stroke during support with continuous-flow left ventricular assist device.

Background: There is increasing recognition that the risk of stroke after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation varies based on gender, with a higher risk in female patients. We reviewed our own data to determine gender differences in the risk of stroke.

Methods: Frequency of stroke, including intracranial hemorrhage and ischemic stroke, was retrospectively evaluated in 110 heart failure patients (mean age 49.