*2.1.4. Endothelial cells and microparticles of unknown origin*

CD62E<sup>+</sup> endothelial cell microparticles (EMPs) are increased in VAD-patients compared to healthy controls [3, 9] and CAD patients [3]. EMPs phenotyped as CD31<sup>+</sup> /CD41− , and CD144<sup>+</sup> are also elevated levels in VAD-patients [3].

Additional to the MPs of specific lineages described above—erythrocytes, leukocyte, platelet and endothelial—PS-expressing MPs of unknown lineage have been suggested as a potential biomarker of adverse events in VAD-patients implanted with a HeartMate II [2]. Patients who developed an adverse event, including ventricular tachycardia storm, non-ST elevation myocardial infarction, arterial thrombosis, gastrointestinal bleeding, and stroke had significantly higher levels of PS+ MPs than patients with no adverse events [2].
