Abstract 19052: Mitochondrial Spatial and Temporal Resolution Before and After Left Ventricular Assist Device Support in Advanced Heart Failure Patients

Background: Advanced heart failure (HF) is associated with structural and functional perturbations in mitochondria, indicating an impaired oxidative phosphorylation. Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support in HF patients has demonstrated significant recovery of cardiac function and molecular cellular defects. However, comprehensive imaging technologies, demonstrating the spatial and temporal proximities of organellar molecules that improve diagnostic HF stratification in parallel with conventional clinical markers, are still lacking. Aims: The aim of this study is to explore the recovery of mitochondrial function and molecular structure in advanced HF after LVAD implantation through high-resolution confocal microscopic immunofluorescence (IF) in conjunction with conventional biochemical assays. Methods: Fresh LV biopsies from 6 patients were obtained during LVAD implantation (PRE-VAD) and during their consecutive heart transplantation (POST-VAD); mitochondria were subsequently isolated. Results: Con...