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Use of a Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Device/Left Atrium to Femoral Artery Bypass System for Cardiogenic Shock
Published on: August 16, 2021
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Pulmonary function tests do not predict mortality in patients undergoing continuous-flow left ventricular assist
Edo K S Bedzra1, Todd F Dardas2, Richard K Cheng2
1Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, Wash.
The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
|May 21, 2017
Summary
Pulmonary function tests like FEV1 and DLCO do not predict survival after left ventricular assist device implantation. Abnormal results should not disqualify patients from receiving mechanical circulatory support.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pulmonology
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are crucial for end-stage heart failure.
- Pulmonary function is often assessed preoperatively, but its impact on LVAD outcomes is debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if preoperative pulmonary function tests (PFTs) affect survival and postoperative outcomes in patients receiving continuous flow LVADs.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 263 (FEV1) and 239 (DLCO) patients undergoing LVAD implantation (2005-2015).
- Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression for mortality; negative binomial regression for length of stay.
- Analysis of ventilator duration, pneumonia, reintubation, and tracheostomy rates.
Main Results:
- No association found between FEV1 or DLCO and 1- or 3-year mortality.
- Higher FEV1 and DLCO correlated with shorter hospital stays.
- DLCO, but not FEV1, was linked to longer ICU stays; other complications were similar across groups.
Conclusions:
- Preoperative FEV1 and DLCO do not predict mortality in LVAD recipients.
- Abnormal PFTs alone should not be a contraindication for LVAD candidacy.
