Platelet Thrombus

Consenting patients with end-stage heart failure that are implanted with/candidates for implant of a short-term/durable mechanical circulatory support device (e.g.: percutaneous microaxial pumps (Impella), extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (ECMO), Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) will be enrolled in the study. Aim of the study is to evaluate the patients' haemostatic and coagulation profile, how it interacts with the support device as well as the effect of antithrombotic drugs. From these data, it will be possible to derive the mechanisms triggering post-implant thromboembolic/hemorrhagic complications and to identify potential therapeutic targets.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a key role in cell-to-cell communication. They are small vesicles that contain rich molecular cargo. Recently, they have been proposed as biomarkers for clinical diagnostics. EVs include three classes: small EVs (exosomes), large EVs (microparticles), and apoptotic bodies. Platelet-derived EVs (PEVs) are the most abundant class in human blood and can actively participate in numerous physiological and pathological processes. The information about the role of platelet exosomes in cardiovascular disease and the effect of antiplatelet agents on their release and content is very limited.