Factors Associated With Prolonged Survival in Left Ventricular Assist Device Recipients

Limited data exist on factors predicting prolonged survival in left ventricular assist device (LVAD) recipients. We sought to identify patient characteristics and complications associated with prolonged survival.

We conducted retrospective review of the Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) database, including primary continuous-flow LVAD recipients, between May 2012 and March 2013. Patients were identified as having survived with a device in place after 3 years or not, conditional on having initially survived 6 months. Patients who received a transplant, underwent explant due to recovery, or were lost to follow-up before 3 years were excluded. Multivariate logistic regression evaluated perioperative factors and adverse events within 6 months associated with long survival.

Of 1,116 patients who survived past the initial 6 months, 725 (65%) survived beyond 3 years. On univariate analysis, long-term survivors were significantly younger, were less likely to be white, supported for destination therapy, have diabetes, solid-organ cancer, or take amiodarone. On multivariate analysis, factors associated with increased odds of death at 3 years included diabetes, amiodarone use, and developing stroke, gastrointestinal bleeding, hemolysis, or pump thrombosis within 6 months of implantation.

Preoperative diabetes and amiodarone use were associated with poor long-term survival in LVAD recipients. Development of early complications of stroke, gastrointestinal bleeding, hemolysis, or pump thrombosis was also associated with poor long-term survival. Early diagnosis and treatment of these complications may improve survival in LVAD recipients.