Left ventricular functional improvement appears to contribute to lower rates of device thrombosis in patients on durable mechanical circulatory support

J Heart Lung Transplant. 2023 Jul;42(7):853-858. doi: 10.1016/j.healun.2023.03.004. Epub 2023 Mar 13.

Abstract

By unloading the failing heart, left ventricular (LV) assist devices (LVADs) provide a favorable environment for reversing adverse structural and functional cardiac changes. Prior reports have suggested that an improved native LV function might contribute to the development of LVAD thrombosis. We used the Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support and found that LV functional improvement is associated with a lower risk for device thrombosis. The risk for cerebrovascular accident and transient ischemic attack was comparable across post-LVAD LV function subgroups, while the risk of hemolysis was lower in subgroups of patients with better LV function on LVAD support.

Keywords: device thrombosis; heart assist device; heart failure; left ventricular assist device; myocardial recovery.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Heart
  • Heart Failure*
  • Heart Ventricles
  • Heart-Assist Devices* / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Thrombosis* / etiology
  • Ventricular Function, Left