Resolution of central sleep apnoea following implantation of a left ventricular assist device

Central sleep apnoea (CSA) occurs in up to 40% of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). It is thought to be a consequence of CHF and is associated with an accelerated decline in cardiac function, and increased morbidity and mortality. The optimal treatment of CSA remains unclear. Resolution of CSA has been reported after cardiac transplantation. We report the first case of resolution of CSA 10 months following implantation of a permanent Jarvik 2000 left ventricular assist device (LVAD). The correction of CSA after implantation of the LVAD was associated with improvements in symptoms, exercise capacity, renal function, and increased arterial carbon dioxide levels at rest during wakefulness and also reduction in brain natriuretic peptide.