Post–left ventricular assist device support right ventricular failure: Can it be predicted preoperatively, and should it be a contraindication to implantation?

Outcomes After Extracorporeal Right Ventricular Assist Device Combined With Durable Left Ventricular Assist Device Support

BACKGROUND

Right heart failure occurs in 9% to 44% of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implants, of which less than 10% require right ventricular assist device (RVAD) support either concurrently with the LVAD or staged, as a delayed procedure. We have reported our outcomes based on whether the RVAD was placed concurrently or staged.

METHODS

Clinical data were obtained from the Duke University Medical Center database. The study focused on all consecutive adult patients who received continuous flow LVAD with either concurrent or staged (within 7 days) extracorporeal, temporary RVAD, between October 2007 and October 2017. Adverse event profiles and ability to wean from RVAD were compared between these two groups.

RESULTS

Overall, 43 patients required an extracorporeal RVAD; 67% (n = 29) were implanted concurrently and 33% (n = 14) were implanted as staged after the LVAD. In all, 67% of patients (n = 29) could be weaned to an isolated LVAD. The 30-day, inhospital, and total mortality rates for our cohort were 14%, 28%, and 51% respectively. The mortality rate in the study period for the staged implants was 71% versus 45% for the concurrent implants (p = 0.101). In addition, staged RVAD implantation carried a significantly higher rate of postoperative renal failure (64% versus 28%, p = 0.044).

CONCLUSIONS

There was a low incidence of need for RVAD in our cohort. The majority could be weaned to an isolated LVAD. Morbidity and mortality rates of this mode of biventricular support remain high. Early institution of RVAD support was associated with reduced rates of post-LVAD renal failure rates.