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Single-center experience of LVAD implantation in patients with sickle-cell trait: A retrospective analysis
Khalid Al Khamees1, Elena Grasso1,2, Ahmed Ibrahim3
1Department of Adult Cardiac Surgery, Prince Sultan Cardiac Center-Al-Hassa, Hofuf, Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) surgery is safe for patients with sickle-cell disease (SCD), showing significant clinical improvement. This study suggests LVAD implantation is a viable option for SCD patients needing advanced heart support.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Hematology
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) complications like thrombosis, embolism, and bleeding are significant concerns.
- The safety and outcomes of LVAD implantation in sickle-cell disease (SCD) patients remain under-investigated.
- This study addresses the need for data on LVAD use in patients with sickle-cell hemoglobinopathy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation in patients with sickle-cell hemoglobinopathy.
- To assess the safety and efficacy of the HeartMate3 LVAD in this specific patient population.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective, observational, single-center study.
- Involved patients diagnosed with sickle-cell trait (SCT) who underwent HeartMate3 LVAD implantation.
Main Results:
- Four patients with SCT received HeartMate3 LVAD implants successfully.
- All patients experienced uneventful post-implant courses with a mean follow-up of 25 months.
- Significant improvements in hematological markers were observed during the follow-up period.
Conclusions:
- LVAD surgery appears to be safe for patients with sickle-cell disease (SCD).
- LVAD implantation offers remarkable clinical improvement in SCD patients.
- Further research is warranted to confirm these findings in a larger cohort.
Background:
The most worrisome complications in patients supported by left ventricular assist device (LVAD) are pump thrombosis, embolism, and bleeding. The actual rate of these events in patients with sickle-cell disease (SCD) has not well investigated. The aim of our study is to evaluate the outcomes of LVAD implantation in patients with sickle-cell hemoglobinopathy at our institution.
Methods:
This retrospective, observational, single-center study was conducted on patients with sickle-cell trait (SCT), who underwent LVAD implantation using the HeartMate3 LVAD.
Results:
LVAD devices were implanted in four patients with SCT. All procedures were performed successfully. All patients had uneventful post-implant course. Overall, the mean follow-up time was 25 months (range 21-28 months) and showed an unremarkable post-implant course. There was a significant improvement in hematological markers over the follow-up period.
Conclusions:
Despite the limited numbers of patients enrolled in this study, our findings indicate that LVAD surgery is safe in SCD patients and offers remarkable clinical improvement. Further studies are needed to provide more evidence regarding this type of patients undergoing LVAD implantation.
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