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Implantation of Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) in Juvenile Landrace Swine: A LVAD Implantation Model of Pediatric Heart Failure
Published on: January 16, 2026
Hepatic and renal function with successful long-term support on a continuous flow left ventricular assist device
Salil V Deo1, Vikas Sharma1, Salah E Altarabsheh1
1Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Mayo Clinic, United States.
Heart, Lung & Circulation
|September 3, 2013
Summary
Continuous flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD) support improves hepato-renal function in most patients over one year. High-risk patients may experience higher mortality and temporary need for renal replacement therapy but still show improvement.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Nephrology
- Hepatology
Background:
- Limited data exists on the long-term effects of continuous flow left ventricular assist devices (CF-LVADs) on hepato-renal function.
- Assessing these effects is crucial for managing patients with advanced heart failure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the changes in hepato-renal function over a one-year period in patients supported by CF-LVADs.
- To identify potential differences in outcomes for high-risk patients.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 61 patients successfully supported on CF-LVAD for one year was analyzed.
- A high-risk cohort (HCrB) with elevated creatinine or bilirubin was specifically examined for changes in renal and liver function and need for renal replacement therapy.
Main Results:
- Serum creatinine initially decreased then gradually increased but remained stable. Serum bilirubin normalized and continued to decline. Serum albumin levels increased, indicating improved liver synthetic function.
- The high-risk cohort showed a trend towards higher 30-day mortality and a greater need for temporary renal replacement therapy (16% vs. 4%), though permanent dialysis was minimal (3%).
Conclusions:
- CF-LVAD support leads to early and sustained improvement in hepato-renal function in most patients over one year.
- High-risk patients face increased short-term mortality and temporary renal support needs, but still benefit from CF-LVAD therapy with minimal long-term dialysis requirement.
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