Couette shearing device for the investigation of shear-induced damage of the primary hemostasis by left ventricular assist devices.

Introduction:: Continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices have evolved from short-time therapy into permanent or so-called destination therapy. One complication in long-term usage is bleeding, which is presumably attributed to shear-induced interference of left ventricular assist devices with the coagulation system.

Methods:: The influence of dynamic shear stresses on primary hemostasis by single or multiple passes through left ventricular assist devices was investigated.