Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation Research Articles

Multimodality imaging for the evaluation and management of patients with long-term (durable) left ventricular assist devices.

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are gaining increasing importance as therapeutic strategy in advanced heart failure (HF), not only as bridge to recovery or to transplant but also as destination therapy. Even though long-term LVADs are considered a precious resource to expand the treatment options and improve clinical outcome of these patients, these are limited by peri-operative and post-operative complications, such as device-related infections, haemocompatibility-related events, device mis-positioning, and right ventricular failure. For this reason, a precise pre-operative, peri-operative, and post-operative evaluation of these patients is crucial for the selection of LVAD candidates and the management LVAD recipients. The use of different imaging modalities offers important information to complete the study of patients with LVADs in each phase of their assessment, with peculiar advantages/disadvantages, ideal application, and reference parameters for each modality. This clinical consensus statement sought to guide the use of multimodality imaging for the evaluation of patients with advanced HF undergoing LVAD implantation.

Appropriate and inappropriate ICD shocks in patients with LVADs: Prevalence, associated factors, and etiologies

BackgroundImplantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) shocks are a common complication after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation; however, data on their frequency and causes are limited. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to define the incidence, programming, patient characteristics, and factors associated with appropriate and inappropriate ICD shocks in persons with LVADs. MethodsWe performed a retrospective review at Duke University Hospital of all LVAD recipients implanted between January 1, 2013, to June 30, 2019, with a preexisting ICD. ICD shocks were adjudicated by the treating physician and a second reviewer for the purpose of this study. ResultsAmong 421 patients with an ICD in situ undergoing LVAD implant, 147 (33.9%) had at least 1 shock after LVAD implantation. Among 134 patients with complete device history, a total of 330 shock episodes occurred: 255 (77.3%) appropriate and 75 (22.7%) inappropriate. Etiologies for inappropriate shocks included supraventricular tachycardia (n = 66 [20.0%]), physiological oversensing (n = 1 [0.3%]), and nonphysiological oversensing (n = 8 [2.4%]) including LVAD electromagnetic interference (n = 1 [0.3%]). ICD programming with shorter detection delay (P <.001) and absence of antitachycardia pacing programming (P = .001) in high-rate zones was seen more commonly in inappropriate shock than appropriate shock. ConclusionsThe rate of inappropriate shocks in LVAD recipients is very high and most often is due to supraventricular arrhythmias. LVAD electromagnetic interference is a rare cause of ICD shock. Implementation of current consensus American Heart Association recommendations for LVAD programming with long detection delays and high rate cutoffs may help prevent inappropriate ICD shocks.

Robotically assisted outflow graft anastomosis in minimally invasive left-ventricular assist device implantation: feasibility, surgeon comfort, and operative times in an anatomical study.

Upper hemi-sternotomy is a common approach for outflow graft anastomosis to the ascending aorta in minimally invasive left-ventricular assist device implantation. Right mini-thoracotomy may also be used, but use of robotic assistance has been reported only anecdotally. The aim of our study was to confirm the feasibility of robotically assisted suturing of the outflow graft anastomosis and to assess performance metrics for the robotic suturing part of the procedure. The procedure was carried out in eight cadaver studies by two surgeons. The assist device pump head was inserted through a left-sided mini-thoracotomy and the outflow graft was passed toward a right-sided second interspace mini-thoracotomy through the pericardium. After placement of a partial occlusion clamp on the ascending aorta, a longitudinal aortotomy was performed and the outflow graft to ascending aorta anastomosis was carried out robotically. The procedure was feasible in all eight attempts. The mean outflow graft anastomotic time was 20.1 (SD 6.8) min and the mean surgeon confidence and comfort levels to complete the anastomoses were 8.3 (SD 2.4) and 6.9 (SD2.2), respectively, on a ten-grade Likert scale. On open inspection of the anastomoses, there was good suture alignment in all cases. We conclude that suturing of a left-ventricular assist device outflow graft to the human ascending aorta is very feasible with good surgeon comfort. Anastomotic times are acceptable and suture placement can be performed with appropriate alignment.

Peri-operative fever and LVAD: SIRS or impaired right ventricular strain?

An inflammatory milieu after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation is associated with multi-organ dysfunction and pre-operative heightened inflammatory state is associated with right ventricular failure after LVAD implantation. We performed a retrospective analysis of 30 LVAD patients in our institution within the last 2 years for the development of fever and compared them to 30 non-LVAD open-heart surgery patients. Our results suggest that patients undergoing LVAD implantation are more likely to develop fever in the immediate post-operative period compared to other open-heart surgeries. This is independent of pharmacological treatment, age, or ethnical background. Females and obese patients were more likely to develop fever. Patients with right ventricular dysfunction, as demonstrated by elevated central venous pressure (CVP), had the strongest correlation with fever development. These results pose the question if there is a systemic inflammatory response-like phenomenon driven by increased right ventricular dysfunction.

Analyzing online forums to identify information needs and knowledge gaps in patients with left ventricular assist devices: a qualitative study.

To explore the knowledge and unmet informational needs of candidates for left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), as well as of patients, caregivers, and family members, by analyzing social media data from the MyLVAD.com website. A qualitative content analysis method was employed, systematically examining and categorizing forum posts and comments published on the MyLVAD.com website from March 2015 to February 2023. The data was collected using an automated script to retrieve threads from MyLVAD.com, focusing on genuine questions reflecting information and knowledge gaps. The study received approval from an ethics committee. The research team developed and continuously updated categorization matrices to organize information into categories and subcategories systematically. From 856 posts and comments analyzed, 435 contained questions representing informational needs, of which six main categories were identified: clothing, complications/adverse effects, LVAD pros and cons, self-care, therapy, and recent LVAD implantation. The self-care category, which includes managing the driveline site and understanding equipment functionality, was the most prominent, reflecting nearly half of the questions. Other significant areas of inquiry included complications/adverse effects and the pros and cons of LVAD. The analysis of social media data from MyLVAD.com reveals significant unmet informational needs among LVAD candidates, patients, and their support networks. Unlike traditional data, this social media-based research provides an unbiased view of patient conversations, offering valuable insights into their real-world concerns and knowledge gaps. The findings underscore the importance of tailored educational resources to address these unmet needs, potentially enhancing LVAD patient care.

Outcomes After Heartmate 3 Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation Using a 10 mm Outflow Graft.

The presence of adhesions and patent bypass grafts may create challenges for standard 14 mm outflow graft placement during left ventricular assist device implantation. We retrospectively describe our experience using a 10 mm Bioline Fusion graft (Getinge, Goteborg, Sweden) as the outflow graft in patients undergoing primary Heartmate 3 (Abbott, Abbott Park, IL) implantation. One hundred one patients underwent Heartmate 3 left ventricular assist device implantation, 80% via a thoracotomy approach, with the standard 14 mm outflow graft (78) or a 10 mm Bioline Fusion outflow graft (23). Initial postoperative rotor speed-to-flow ratio (the revolutions per minutes (RPMs) required to achieve a given flow) was significantly higher in 10 mm graft patients (1,472 vs. 1,283 RPM/L/min; p = 0.03), suggesting elevated resistance in the smaller graft. Furthermore, the initial postoperative vasoactive-inotrope score was higher in the 10 mm graft patients (24.1 vs. 17.6; p = 0.022). Postoperative outcomes were similar between groups. In conclusion, the use of a 10 mm graft was associated with higher RPMs needed to generate a given flow and a higher vasoactive-inotrope score, but these differences were not associated with increased right ventricular failure or mortality.

A case of destination therapy for post-fulminant myocarditis with myelodysplastic syndrome.

We encountered a 64-year-old woman who experienced fulminant myocarditis and underwent treatment with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and Impella CP support. Subsequently, she underwent a device upgrade to Impella 5.5 and received continuous hemodiafiltration for 3 months. During mechanical circulatory support, she developed refractory anemia and thrombocytopenia, leading to a diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndrome. Following the removal of the devices, she no longer required blood transfusions. She received HeartMate 3 left ventricular assist device implantation as a destination therapy indication despite the presence of myelodysplastic syndrome. She was successfully managed by aspirin-free antithrombotic therapy without any hemocompatibility-related adverse events for 4 months after index discharge on foot. We present a patient with a unique and rare presentation, wherein HeartMate 3 was implanted and successfully managed without aspirin to prevent bleeding complications associated with myelodysplastic syndrome.

Right heart failure with left ventricular assist devices: Preoperative, perioperative and postoperative management strategies. A clinical consensus statement of the Heart Failure Association (HFA) of the ESC

AbstractRight heart failure (RHF) following implantation of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is a common and potentially serious condition with a wide spectrum of clinical presentations with an unfavourable effect on patient outcomes. Clinical scores that predict the occurrence of right ventricular (RV) failure have included multiple clinical, biochemical, imaging and haemodynamic parameters. However, unless the right ventricle is overtly dysfunctional with end‐organ involvement, prediction of RHF post‐LVAD implantation is, in most cases, difficult and inaccurate. For these reasons optimization of RV function in every patient is a reasonable practice aiming at preparing the right ventricle for a new and challenging haemodynamic environment after LVAD implantation. To this end, the institution of diuretics, inotropes and even temporary mechanical circulatory support may improve RV function, thereby preparing it for a better adaptation post‐LVAD implantation. Furthermore, meticulous management of patients during the perioperative and immediate postoperative period should facilitate identification of RV failure refractory to medication. When RHF occurs late during chronic LVAD support, this is associated with worse long‐term outcomes. Careful monitoring of RV function and characterization of the origination deficit should therefore continue throughout the patient's entire follow‐up. Despite the useful information provided by the echocardiogram with respect to RV function, right heart catheterization frequently offers additional support for the assessment and optimization of RV function in LVAD‐supported patients. In any patient candidate for LVAD therapy, evaluation and treatment of RV function and failure should be assessed in a multidimensional and multidisciplinary manner.

In-hospital and long-term outcomes of cardiogenic shock complicating myocardial infarction versus heart failure.

This study sought to examine the difference in clinical characteristics, treatment strategy, trends in mortality, and medical costs according to the aetiologies of cardiogenic shock (CS). This was a population-based, nationwide, cohort study from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. All CS adults (≥18 years) were admitted to an intensive care unit from January 2010 to December 2020. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. The secondary outcomes were cardiac replacement therapy (left ventricular assisted device implantation or heart transplantation), all-cause mortality, ischaemic stroke, rehospitalization for heart failure (HF) during follow-up, and actual in-hospital medical costs. Among 136 092 individuals with CS, 48 704 (29.7%) cases were due to acute myocardial infarction-related CS (AMI-CS), and the remaining 87 388 (71.3%) were due to HF-CS (ischaemic cardiomyopathy [ICM] vs. non-ICM, 49 504 [56.6%] vs. 37 884 [45.4%]). Patients with HF-CS were older, less likely to be male, and less likely to receive mechanical circulatory support, compared to those with AMI-CS. During the 10-year study period, the in-hospital mortality rate decreased, and actual medical costs tended to increase, regardless of CS aetiology. Compared with AMI-CS, HF-CS was associated with higher risks of in-hospital mortality (40.3% vs. 28.5%; adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.43-1.52), cardiac replacement therapy (adjusted OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.16-2.34), as well as follow-up mortality after successful discharge (19.3% vs. 8.5%; adjusted-hazard ratio 1.54, 95% CI 1.48-1.59). HF-CS had lower medical costs than AMI-CS (adjusted ratio 0.79, 95% CI 0.79-0.80). With medical advances during the past 10 years, the mortality of CS has decreased significantly, but the mortality of HF-CS remains high. The findings highlight the need for effective treatment strategies for patients with HF-CS.

Circulating beta-hydroxybutyrate levels in advanced heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: Determinants and prognostic impact.

Patients with heart failure (HF) display metabolic alterations, including heightened ketogenesis, resulting in increased beta-hydroxybutyrate (β-OHB) formation. We aimed to investigate the determinants and prognostic impact of circulating β-OHB levels in patients with advanced HF and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). A total of 867 patients with advanced HFrEF (age 57 ± 11 years, 83% male, 45% diabetic, 60% New York Heart Association class III), underwent clinical and echocardiographic examination, circulating metabolite assessment, and right heart catheterization (n = 383). The median β-OHB level was 64 (interquartile range [IQR] 33-161) μmol/L (normal 0-74 μmol/L). β-OHB levels correlated with increased markers of lipolysis (free fatty acids [FFA]), higher natriuretic peptides, worse pulmonary haemodynamics, and lower humoral regulators of ketogenesis (insulin/glucagon ratio). During a median follow-up of 1126 (IQR 410-1781) days, there were 512 composite events, including 324 deaths, 81 left ventricular assist device implantations and 107 urgent cardiac transplantations. In univariable Cox regression, increased β-OHB levels (T3 vs. T1: hazard ratio [HR] 1.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13-1.72, p = 0.002) and elevated FFA levels (T3 vs. T1: HR 1.39, 95% CI 1.09-1.79, p = 0.008) were both predictors of a worse prognosis. In multivariable Cox analysis evaluating the simultaneous associations of FFA and β-OHB levels with outcomes, only FFA levels remained significantly associated with adverse outcomes. In patients with advanced HFrEF, increased plasma β-OHB correlate with FFA levels, worse right ventricular function, greater neurohormonal activation and other markers of HF severity. The association between plasma β-OHB and adverse outcomes is eliminated after accounting for FFA levels, suggesting that increased β-OHB is a consequence reflecting heightened lipolytic state, rather than a cause of worsening HF.

A novel technique for achieving optimal pump position during lateral approach left ventricular assist device implantation

A novel technique for achieving optimal pump position during lateral approach left ventricular assist device implantation

Myocardial Work Indices Predict Hospitalization in Patients with Advanced Heart Failure.

An increasing proportion of heart failure (HF) patients progress to the advanced stage (AdHF) with high event rates and limited treatment options. Echocardiography, particularly Speckle Tracking-derived myocardial work (MW), is useful for HF diagnosis and prognosis. We aimed to assess MW's feasibility in the prognostic stratification of AdHF. We retrospectively screened patients with AdHF who accessed our hospital in 2018-2022. We excluded subjects with inadequate acoustic windows; unavailable brachial artery cuff pressure at the time of the echocardiography; atrial fibrillation; and mitral or aortic regurgitation. We measured standard parameters and left ventricular (LV) strain (LS) and MW. The population was followed up to determine the composite outcomes of all-cause mortality, left ventricular assist device implantation and heart transplantation (primary endpoint), as well as unplanned HF hospitalization (secondary endpoint). We enrolled 138 patients, prevalently males (79.7%), with a median age of 58 years (IQR 50-62). AdHF etiology was predominantly non-ischemic (65.9%). Thirty-five patients developed a composite event during a median follow-up of 636 days (IQR 323-868). Diastolic function, pulmonary pressures, and LV GLS and LV MW indices were not associated with major events. Contrarily, for the secondary endpoint, the hazard ratio for each increase in global work index (GWI) by 50 mmHg% was 0.90 (p = 0.025) and for each increase in global constructive work (GCW) by 50 mmHg% was 0.90 (p = 0.022). Kaplan-Meier demonstrated better endpoint-free survival, with an LV GWI ≥ 369 mmHg%. GWI and GCW, with good feasibility, can help in the better characterization of patients with AdHF at higher risk of HF hospitalization and adverse events, identifying the need for closer follow-up or additional HF therapy.

Platelet count in heart failure patients undergoing left ventricular assist device.

Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation, a therapy for end-stage heart failure, is associated with platelet (PLT) activation. This study aims to evaluate the prognostic impact of PLT count in patients with LVAD implantation. Data from the Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) registry were investigated, and patients were divided into three groups according to tertiles. The dynamic change of PLT counts and its associations with long-term outcomes were analysed. The primary outcome was long-term mortality. A total of 19517 patients who received the first continuous-flow LVAD were identified from the INTERMACS registry. The PLT count underwent a dynamic change towards normalization after LVAD implantation. Compared with intermediate, both high (hazard ratio [HR], 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01 to 1.17, P=0.033) and low (HR, 1.18, 95% CI: 1.10 to 1.27, P<0.001) pre-implant PLT counts were associated with an increased risk of 2year mortality. Compared with intermediate, a high post-implant PLT count was associated with an increased risk of 4year mortality (HR, 1.38, 95% CI: 1.26 to 1.52, P<0.001). Besides, both pre- and post-implant PLT counts exhibit a U-shaped association with the risk of mortality. LVAD implantation could improve the PLT count towards normalization. Abnormal pre-/post-implant PLT counts were independently associated with increased risks of long-term mortality.

Left ventricular assist device in the presence of subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator: data from a multicenter experience

Abstract Background Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are an increasingly used strategy for the management of patients with advanced heart failure (HF).Subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S-ICD) might be a viable alternative to conventional ICDs, with a lower risk of short- and long-term of device-related complications and infections. Purpose:The aim of this multicenter study was to evaluate the outcomes and management of S-ICD recipients who underwent LVAD implantation. Methods:The study population included patients with an S-ICD who underwent LVAD implantation for advanced HF despite optimal medical therapy. Results:The study population included 30 patients (25 male;median age 45 [38-52] years).The HeartMate III was the most common LVAD type. Median follow-up in the setting of concomitant use of S-ICDs and LVADs was 7 months (1-20).There were no reports of inability to interrogate S-ICD systems in this population.Electromagnetic interference (EMI) occurred in 21 (70%) patients.The primary sensing vector was the one most significantly involved in determining EMI.Twenty-seven patients (90%) remained eligible for S-ICD implantation with at least one optimal sensing vector.The remaining 3 patients (10%) were ineligible for S-ICD after attempts of reprogramming of sensing vectors. Six patients (20%) experienced inappropriate shocks due to EMI. Six patients (20%) experienced appropriate shocks.No S-ICD extraction because of need for antitachycardia pacing,ineffective therapy or infection was reported. Conclusions: Concomitant use of LVAD and S-ICD is feasible in most patients. However, the potential risk of EMI oversensing, IS,and undersensing in the post-operative period following LVAD implantation should be considered.Careful screening for EMI should be performed in all sensing vectors after LVAD implantation.

Re-classification of response to cardiac resynchronization therapy: the long-term effect of echocardiographic non-progression

Abstract Introduction Approximately one-third of patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) implantation fail to show echocardiographic improvement and are categorized as non-responders, despite of probable beneficial clinical response. Purpose We aimed to evaluate the long-term outcome of CRT patients by their echocardiographic response outsorting those with unchanged parameters. Methods Altogether 1019 patients undergoing CRT implantation between 2000-2020 in our center were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were grouped by their echocardiographic response defined as LVEF change upto12 months: super-responders ≥20% (n=113), responders 6-19% (n=448), non-progressors 0-5% (n=244), and progressors &amp;lt;0% (n=214). The primary endpoint was the composite of all-cause mortality, heart transplantation, or left ventricular assist device implantation. Results During the median follow-up time of 4.7 years 547 (54%) patients died, 35 (31%) super-responders, 223 (50%) responders, 133 (55%) non-progressors, and 156 (73%) progressors. The mean change in LVEF occurred as follows: super-responders 24.5% ± 4.1%, responders 11.5% ± 3.8%, non-progressors 2.8% ± 1.8%, and progressors -6.6% ± 4.5% (p&amp;lt;0.001). Univariate Cox regression analysis revealed that non-progressors had a similar outcome to responders (HR 1.17; 95%CI 0.94-1.45; p=0.15) and a superior outcome to progressors (HR 0.60; 95%CI 0.48-0.76; p&amp;lt;0.001), which was also confirmed by multivariate analysis: non-progressors vs. responders (HR 1.25; 95%CI 0.98-1.58; p=0.07) and non-progressors vs. progressors (HR 0.62; 95%CI 0.47-0.80; p&amp;lt;0.001). Conclusion In our current analysis, non-progressors had a superior outcome to progressors suggesting that CRT moderates the remodeling process. These findings indicate their selection and the re-classification of CRT response by echocardiographic changes.Survival by responseMean change in LVEF by response

Characterization of ventricular tachycardia ablation in end-stage heart failure patients with left ventricular assist device (CHANNELED-Registry)

Abstract Background Left-ventricular-assist-devices (LVAD) are an established therapy for patients with end-stage heart failure. These patients are at high risk for ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ICD-shocks due to the arrhythmogenic substrate of the underlying cardiomyopathy itself and as the LVAD cannula might be arrhythmogenic, too. Purpose Data on catheter ablation of VT in LVAD patients are scarce and current evidence predominantly consists of case reports and small single-center series. This multicenter registry seeks to systematically assess the mechanism and origin of VA in LVAD patients and to evaluate procedural parameters and outcome of VT ablation in this special subset of patients. Methods Retrospective data of LVAD patients referred for VT ablation at 11 tertiary care centers between January 2017 and August 2023 were included in this multicenter registry. VT mechanisms, procedural data, clinical follow-up, and outcome were assessed. Results We report 49 patients (88% male, age 61±8 years) undergoing 51 ablation procedures included in this ongoing registry. The underlying cardiomyopathy was ischemic in 25/49 patients (51%) and nonischemic in 24/49 patients (49%) with a mean left ventricular ejection fraction of 21%±6% before LVAD implantation. Most catheter ablations were conducted after prior antiarrhythmic drug (AAD) treatment (15/51 on amiodarone, 13/51 on prior intensification of amiodarone treatment, 18/51 on prior combination of two or more AADs). A total of 75 VTs were targeted (39/51 transseptal, 3/51 retrograde aortic, 9/51 combined approaches) and 13/49 patients required VT ablation less than 1 month after LVAD implantation. Of the targeted VTs the majority (69%) were cardiomyopathy related and only 31% of the targeted VTs were related to the LVAD cannula. In 5/51 procedures access site complications and in 1/51 procedures a pericardial effusion occurred; one patient showed a post procedural oxygen desaturation; despite immediate intubation the patient deceased from hypoxic brain injury. No LVAD related complications were observed. A follow-up was available for 35/49 patients. During a median follow-up of 277 days (IQR 78-625 days), 5/35 patients were transplanted and 13/35 died. Patients died after a median time of 124 days (IQR 34-952 days) primarily from heart failure, sepsis, or intracranial bleeding. Of the remaining 17/35 patients, 7/17 patients were arrhythmia-free at a median follow-up of 212 days (IQR 78-639 days). Conclusion Although often chosen as last resort, catheter ablation of VT in LVAD patients is feasible and can be performed safely in this critically ill subset of heart failure patients in experienced centers. Intrinsic myocardial scar seems to be the dominant substrate in these patients but LVAD cannulae contribute to a significant number of VTs. In the presence of severely reduced LV function the VT recurrence remains high despite maximal therapy and prognosis of these patients is limited.

"Things That You Thought Mattered, None of That Matters": A Qualitative Exploration of Family Caregiver Values following Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation.

Intentional exploration, or elicitation, of patient and family values-who/what matters most-is critical to the delivery of person-centered care, yet the values elicitation experiences of family caregivers have been understudied. Understanding caregiver experiences discussing, reflecting upon, and acting on their values is critical to optimizing health decisions after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. The aim of this study was to explore the values elicitation experiences of family caregivers of individuals with an LVAD in the postimplantation period. This was a qualitative descriptive study of LVAD caregivers recruited from an outpatient clinic in the southeast United States. After completing one-on-one semistructured interviews, participants' transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. Interviewed caregivers (n = 21) were 27 to 76 years old, with 67% African American, 76% female, 76% urban-dwelling, and 62% a spouse/partner. LVAD implantation was an impactful experience prompting caregiver reevaluation of their values; these values became instrumental to navigating decisions and managing stressors from their caregiving role. Three broad themes of caregiver values elicitation experiences emerged: (1) caregivers leverage their values for strength and guidance in navigating their caregiving role, (2) LVAD implantation prompts (re)evaluation of relationships and priorities, and (3) caregivers convey their goals and priorities when deemed relevant to patient care. Having a care recipient undergo LVAD implantation prompted caregivers to reevaluate their values, which were used to navigate caregiving decisions and stressors. Findings highlight the need for healthcare professionals to engage and support caregivers after LVAD implantation.

The Challenges of Aortic Valve Management After Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation

BackgroundContinuous retrograde flow across the aortic valve from left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy can result in cusp damage and progressive aortic regurgitation, potentially triggering recurrent heart and multiorgan failure. The management of aortic regurgitation after LVAD implantation has not been well defined. MethodsThis study retrospectively reviewed the investigators’ experience with the management of de novo aortic regurgitation requiring intervention in patients with continuous-flow LVAD. ResultsSix patients who had undergone LVAD implantation and who required intervention were identified. Two patients underwent redo sternotomy with bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement, and 4 patients underwent percutaneous management, including Amplatzer device (Abbott) placement and transcatheter aortic valve replacement. All patients had resolution of aortic regurgitation with improved hemodynamics and relief from heart failure. One early and 2 late deaths occurred. Valve function was intact, with all valves opening intermittently without greater than trivial aortic regurgitation. ConclusionsMultiple treatment modalities exist for LVAD-induced aortic valve regurgitation, including open surgical and percutaneous strategies. With a tailored risk-adjusted approach, acceptable results may be achieved.

Association of secondary mitral regurgitation and right ventricular dysfunction among patients with non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy.

The association between secondary mitral regurgitation (MR) and right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in heart failure patients with non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) is unclear. Hence, our objective was to study the association between secondary MR and the occurrence of RV dysfunction among patients with NICM using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). Patients with NICM were enrolled in a prospective observational registry between 2008 and 2019. CMR was used to quantify MR severity along with RV function. The RV dysfunction was defined as RV ejection fraction <45%. The outcome of the study was a composite event of all-cause death, heart transplantation, or left ventricular assist device implantation at follow-up. In the study cohort of 241 patients, RV dysfunction (RVEF < 45%) was present in 148 (61%). In comparison with patients without RV dysfunction, those with RV dysfunction had higher median MR volume {23 mL [interquartile range (IQR) 16-31 mL] vs. 18 mL (IQR 12-25 mL), P = 0.002} and MR fraction [33% (IQR 25-43%) vs. 22% (IQR 15-29%), P < 0.001]. Furthermore, secondary MR was independently associated with RV dysfunction: MR volume ≥ 24 mL (OR 3.21, 95% CI 1.26-8.15, P = 0.01) and MR fraction ≥ 30% (OR 5.46, 95% CI 2.23-13.35, P = 0.002). Increasing RVEF (every 1% increase) was independently associated with lower risk of adverse events (HR 0.98; 95% CI 0.95, 1.00; P = 0.047). In patients with NICM, the severity of secondary MR is associated with an increased prevalence of RV dysfunction. The RV dysfunction is not only associated with the severity of LV dysfunction but also with the severity of secondary MR. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04281823.

"When I do have some time, rather than spend it polishing silver, I want to spend it with my grandkids": a qualitative exploration of patient values following left ventricular assist device implantation.

Values are broadly understood to have implications for how individuals make decisions and cope with serious illness stressors, yet it remains uncertain how patients and their family and friend caregivers discuss, reflect upon, and act on their values in the post-left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation context. This study aimed to explore the values elicitation experiences of patients with an LVAD in the post-implantation period. Qualitative descriptive study of LVAD recipients. Socio-demographics and patient resource use were analyzed using descriptive statistics and semi-structured interview data using thematic analysis. Adult (> 18 years) patients with an LVAD receiving care at an outpatient clinic in the Southeastern United States. Interviewed patients (n = 27) were 30-76 years, 59% male, 67% non-Hispanic Black, 70% married/living with a partner, and 70% urban-dwelling. Three broad themes of patient values elicitation experiences emerged: 1) LVAD implantation prompts deep reflection about life and what is important, 2) patient values are communicated in various circumstances to convey personal goals and priorities to caregivers and clinicians, and 3) patients leverage their values for strength and guidance in navigating life post-LVAD implantation. LVAD implantation was an impactful experience often leading to reevaluation of patients' values; these values became instrumental to making health decisions and coping with stressors during the post-LVAD implantation period. Patient values arose within broad, informal exchanges and focused, decision-making conversations with their caregiver and the healthcare team. Clinicians should consider assessing the values of patients post-implantation to facilitate shared understanding of their goals/priorities and identify potential changes in their coping.