Outcome of percutaneous HeartMate3 decommissioning: A single-centre experience

To highlight the role of percutaneous left ventricular assist device (LVAD) decommissioning as a safe procedure after myocardial recovery in patients with advanced heart failure.

The HeartMate3 LVAD (Abbott, Chicago, IL, USA) is designed to provide circulatory support with enhanced hemocompatibility for patients with advanced heart failure. Most VADs are used as a bridge to heart transplantation; however, in certain cases, myocardial function recovers, and VADs can be explanted after the patient is weaned. Although surgical explantation remains the gold standard, minimally invasive percutaneous decommissioning has been described as a successful alternative. In this study, we present our experience, one-year outcomes, and adverse events associated with percutaneous LVAD decommissioning.

We conducted a retrospective review of data from six consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous LVAD decommissioning.

Six patients were enrolled in the study. For all six patients, HM3 decommissioning was completed at least 6 months ago. No technical complications were documented. No strokes were observed within the study period, and the ejection fraction improved. The mean follow-up duration was 18 ± 8.5 months, and the survival rate was 100%.

Percutaneous HeartMate3 decommissioning appears to be safe. In particular, the survival after the procedure was 100%, and no events, especially thromboembolic ones, occurred.