[Outcomes of Implantable Left Ventricular Assist Device for Treating Advanced Heart Faire in Our Institute and...

From 2011, 13 patients with implantable ventricular assist device (VAD) have followed in our institute, 11 as a bridge to transplant (BTT), and two as destination therapy (DT). All patients were implanted left VAD (LVAD) in INTERMACS profile level 2 to 4, except two as a bridge to bridge (BTB) cases. The EVAHEART LVAD was selected in four, Jarvic2000 was in four, and HeartMate3 was in five patients. There were no major complications in perioperative period. Outpatient cares were provided by VAD team members every week. Of the 13 patients, six underwent transplant, two died during support and five are ongoing. Support averaged 38 months( three cases over 60 months). Eight patients required rehospitalization for more than one time. First three patients had cerebral hemorrhages in four, 10 and 25 months. One patient suffered severe right heart faire, and was repeatedly hospitalized( 22 times). There was no driveline infection, and no aortic regurgitation over moderate level. Several patients have continued cardiac rehabilitation, and improved physical strength and ventilatory power. Complications caused implantable VAD have been decreasing due to progressions of the device and appropriate managements for outpatient care. The current implantable LVAD can be used safely in advanced heart failure patients not only as BTT but also as DT. We can look forward to improve the technology of implantable VAD system in the future too. However, aging changes will be considered for long term follow-up of the DT patients.