Characteristics, Therapeutic Needs, and Scope of Patients With a Continuous-Flow Left Ventricular Device Entering Cardiac Rehabilitation: A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS

Effectiveness of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation for patients with left ventricular assist device: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (EBCR) improves functional capacity in heart failure (HF). However, data on the effect of EBCR in patients with advanced HF and left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are limited. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of EBCR on the functional ability of LVAD patients by comparing the corresponding outcome indicators between the EBCR and ST groups.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Clinical Trials, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for studies assessing and comparing the effects of EBCR and standard therapy (ST) in patients following LVAD implantation. Using pre-defined criteria, appropriate studies were identified and selected. Data from selected studies were extracted in a standardized fashion, and a meta-analysis was performed using a fixed-effects model. The protocol was registered on INPLASY (202340073).

RESULTS

In total, 12 trials involving 477 patients were identified. The mean age of the participants was 52.9 years, and 78.6% were male. The initiation of EBCR varied from LVAD implantation during the index hospitalization to 11 months post-LVAD implantation. The median rehabilitation period ranged from 2 weeks to 18 months. EBCR was associated with improved peak oxygen uptake (VO2) in all trials. Quantitative analysis was performed in six randomized studies involving 214 patients (EBCR: n = 130, ST: n = 84). EBCR was associated with a significantly high peak VO2 (weighted mean difference [WMD] = 1.64 mL/kg/min; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.20-3.08; p = .03). Similarly, 6-min walk distance (6MWD) showed significantly greater improvement in the EBCR group than in the ST group (WMD = 34.54 m; 95% CI, 12.47-56.42; p = .002) in 266 patients (EBCR, n = 140; ST, n = 126). Heterogeneity was low among the included trials. None of the included studies reported serious adverse events related to EBCR, indicating the safety of EBCR after LVAD implantation.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that EBCR following LVAD implantation is associated with greater improvement in functional capacity compared with ST as reflected by the improved peak VO2 and 6MWD values. Considering the small number of patients in this analysis, further research on the clinical impact of EBCR in LVAD patients is warranted.

Barriers and Facilitators to Delivering Inpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation: A Scoping Review

Objective

The purpose of this scoping review was to summarize the literature on barriers and facilitators that influence the provision and uptake of inpatient cardiac rehabilitation (ICR).

Methods

A literature search was conducted using PsycINFO, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and AgeLine. Studies were included if they were published in English after the year 2000 and focused on adults who were receiving some form of ICR (eg, exercise counselling and training, education for heart-healthy living). For studies meeting inclusion criteria, descriptive data on authors, year, study design, and intervention type were extracted.

Results

The literature search resulted in a total of 44,331 publications, of which 229 studies met inclusion criteria. ICR programs vary drastically and often focus on promoting physical exercises and patient education. Barriers and facilitators were categorized through patient, provider and system level factors. Individual characteristics and provider knowledge and efficacy were categorized as both barriers and facilitators to ICR delivery and uptake. Team functioning, lack of resources, program coordination, and inconsistencies in evaluation acted as key barriers to ICR delivery and uptake. Key facilitators that influence ICR implementation and engagement include accreditation and professional associations and patient and family-centred practices.

Conclusion

ICR programs can be highly effective at improving health outcomes for those living with CVDs. Our review identified several patient, provider, and system-level considerations that act as barriers and facilitators to ICR delivery and uptake. Future research should explore how to encourage health promotion knowledge amongst ICR staff and patients.

[Cardiac rehabilitation in LVAD patients : Aspects regarding exercise and rhythm]

After implantation of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), it is strongly recommended that patients participate in an inpatient cardiac rehabilitation program (CR). Relevant topics during CR include sports and exercise therapy as well as aspects of cardiac rhythm control. Over time, LVAD patients usually regain a good quality of life and an adequate functional capacity can be observed. However, maximum performance values remain markedly reduced, in part due to the fixed LVAD pump speed and the limited total cardiac output. Therefore, structured long-term exercise training programs (even beyond CR phase II) are of particular importance in order to optimize neuromuscular control and muscle metabolism. Limitations to physical performance values may also be caused by the occurrence of supraventricular and/or ventricular arrhythmias. In both cases, the cause is an increasing hemodynamic impairment of the right heart, which may also lead to a reduced LVAD pump flow. In addition, inadequate setting of other cardiac implantable electronic devices (e.g., implantable cardioverter-defibrillator [ICD] or cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillator [CRT-D]) may also have a crucial impact on hemodynamics after LVAD implantation. In this article, we will discuss specific aspects of LVAD therapy related to exercise and rhythm control, particularly in the context of CR programs.

Relationship between muscle strength and rehospitalization in ventricular assist device patients

We examined the relationship between leg extensor muscle strength (LEMS) at discharge and rehospitalization within 1 year in patients with a newly implanted ventricular assist device (VAD). This study included 28 patients who had received a VAD at our institution between October 2013 and February 2019, all of whom had been discharged for 1 year. The patients were divided into two groups according to their LEMS at discharge (higher strength [group H] and lower strength [group L]), based on the median value of the 55.2 kg-force (kgf)/body weight (BW) equation. Exercise performance parameters (e.g., grip strength, 6-min walk distance, and peak VO₂) and laboratory data concerning nutritional status were also collected. Nine patients (64.3%) in group L were rehospitalized within 1 year after discharge. The rehospitalization rate was significantly higher in group L than group H (p = 0.020). Compared with discharge, patients exhibited higher grip strength (56.3 vs. 48.6 kg/BW, respectively; p = 0.011), 6-min walk distances (588 vs. 470 m, respectively; p = 0.002), and peak VO₂ (15.4 vs. 11.9 mL/min/kg, respectively; p < 0.001) at 1 year after discharge. However, the LEMS (57.4 vs. 58.0 kgf/BW, respectively; p = 0.798) did not increase after discharge in VAD patients who avoided rehospitalization. LEMS at discharge was associated with rehospitalization after VAD surgery; a high LEMS improves the likelihood of avoiding rehospitalization.

Review of Recent Cardiac Rehabilitation Research Related to Enrollment/Adherence, Mental Health, and Other Populations

This review overviews three topic areas observed to be highly active in the cardiac rehabilitation (CR) research literature published in 2019 and 2020. Topics summarized were enrollment or adherence in CR programs; mental health, particularly depression, stress, and anxiety of patients participating in CR programs; and patients participating in CR programs with diagnoses other than coronary artery bypass graft, myocardial infarction, or percutaneous coronary interventions.

Cardiac Rehabilitation in German Speaking Countries of Europe-Evidence-Based Guidelines from Germany, Austria and Switzerland LLKardReha-DACH-Part 2

Background: Scientific guidelines have been developed to update and harmonize exercise based cardiac rehabilitation (ebCR) in German speaking countries. Key recommendations for ebCR indications have recently been published in part 1 of this journal. The present part 2 updates the evidence with respect to contents and delivery of ebCR in clinical practice, focusing on exercise training (ET), psychological interventions (PI), patient education (PE). In addition, special patients’ groups and new developments, such as telemedical (Tele) or home-based ebCR, are discussed as well. Methods: Generation of evidence and search of literature have been described in part 1. Results: Well documented evidence confirms the prognostic significance of ET in patients with coronary artery disease. Positive clinical effects of ET are described in patients with congestive heart failure, heart valve surgery or intervention, adults with congenital heart disease, and peripheral arterial disease. Specific recommendations for risk stratification and adequate exercise prescription for continuous-, interval-, and strength training are given in detail. PI when added to ebCR did not show significant positive effects in general. There was a positive trend towards reduction in depressive symptoms for “distress management” and “lifestyle changes”. PE is able to increase patients’ knowledge and motivation, as well as behavior changes, regarding physical activity, dietary habits, and smoking cessation. The evidence for distinct ebCR programs in special patients’ groups is less clear. Studies on Tele-CR predominantly included low-risk patients. Hence, it is questionable, whether clinical results derived from studies in conventional ebCR may be transferred to Tele-CR. Conclusions: ET is the cornerstone of ebCR. Additional PI should be included, adjusted to the needs of the individual patient. PE is able to promote patients self-management, empowerment, and motivation. Diversity-sensitive structures should be established to interact with the needs of special patient groups and gender issues. Tele-CR should be further investigated as a valuable tool to implement ebCR more widely and effectively.

Cardiac rehabilitation for coronary artery disease: latest updates

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To summarize recent innovations in cardiac rehabilitation and provide a view towards the future of cardiac rehabilitation as it adjusts to the pressures of a global pandemic.

RECENT FINDINGS

Although cardiac rehabilitation has been shown to result in a mortality benefit, research continues to enumerate the benefits of cardiac rehabilitation to patient function and quality of life in a growing range of cardiovascular diseases. In addition, new methodologies and new models of cardiac rehabilitation have emerged with the goal of increasing patient referral and participation.

SUMMARY

Cardiac rehabilitation continues to evolve and adapt to serve a growing and diversifying number of patients with cardiovascular disease with the goal of both decreasing mortality and improving patient function.

A systematic review of psychosocial design considerations for the next generation of mechanical circulatory support

BACKGROUND

Biomedical engineers are developing new mechanical circulatory support pumps. Clinicians are generating and analysing new evidence for their prescription and management. Industrial designers are generating usable solutions for wearable components and controllers. However, psychosocial considerations may be falling between the cracks of the three disciplines because of their multi-faceted nature.

OBJECTIVES

This article seeks to identify psychosocial needs raised in previous work, re-frame them as needs for future products and services, and discuss routes to solutions.

METHODS

SLR extracted 225 statements on psychosocial considerations from 42 included articles. 23 codes were inductively generated and applied to relevant datapoints. Codes were consolidated under 4 main themes and re-framed as solvable problems.

RESULTS

Identified themes: expanded remote care, improved multidisciplinary management tools, creating easier interactions; and extending patient engagement.

CONCLUSIONS

Design-driven methods have been used to solve analogous problems in other contexts and can address the identified psychosocial problems if implemented fully.

Exercise training with cycle ergometry in the intensive care unit after total artificial heart implantation

A 53-year-old male mountain biker received a total artificial heart and remained in the cardiovascular intensive care unit for 56 days. To reduce functional decline caused by inactivity, he performed a six-session cycle ergometer exercise program in his hospital room. Traditional cardiac responses for exercise prescription were not applicable; therefore, a symptom-limited, monitored progression scheme in conjunction with recommendations for the artificial heart was implemented to modify duration and intensity. Over the six sessions, the patient improved his distance pedaled by 320% and functional capacity by 1 metabolic equivalent. He was subsequently discharged from the hospital and later successfully transplanted without readmission.

Inpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation of LVAD Patients-Updated Recommendations from the Working Group of the German Society for Prevention and Rehabilitation of Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiac rehabilitation physicians are faced to an increasing number of heart failure patients supported by left ventricular assist devices (LVAD). Many of these patients have complex medical issues and prolonged hospitalizations and therefore need special cardiac rehabilitation strategies including psychological, social, and educational support which are actually poorly implemented.Cardiac rehabilitation with clear guidance and more evidence should be considered as an essential component of the patient care plan especially regarding the increasing number of destination patients and their long-term follow-up.In this article the working group for postimplant treatment and rehabilitation of LVAD patients of the German Society for Prevention and Rehabilitation of Cardiovascular Diseases has summarized and updated the recommendations for the cardiac rehabilitation of LVAD patients considering the latest literature.