Outcomes of LVAD Implantation in Ischemic versus Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy

Impact of Ischaemic and Dilated Cardiomyopathy on Short-Term and Long-Term Survival After Ventricular Assist Device Implantation: A Single-Centre Experience

BACKGROUND

Prognosis of patients with end-stage heart failure is known to be impacted by the aetiology of heart failure (HF). Ischaemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) are the most frequent pathologies necessitating ventricular assist device (VAD) support in these patients. However, the specific impact of ICM and DCM in clinical outcomes after VAD implantation remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to analyse clinical differences in ICM and DCM patients after LVAD surgery from the current institution.

METHODS

All consecutive patients from the LVAD centre were included in this retrospective study. To analyse specific differences in in-hospital outcomes, patients were divided into two groups: ICM and DCM. Long-term follow-up was calculated by Kaplan-Meier estimation of survival.

RESULTS

Between January 2010 and July 2020, 60 consecutive patients underwent LVAD implantation at the institution: 36 patients (60%) were supported due to end-stage ICM and 24 patients (40%) in regard of therapy-refractory DCM. Baseline characteristics showed no between-group differences. The ICM patients showed a clear trend to higher amount of additional cardiac procedures during VAD surgery (36% ICM vs. 12% DCM; p=0.052). In-hospital mortality was comparable between ICM and DCM patients (36% ICM vs. 21% DCM; p=0.206). A trend towards higher frequency of pump thrombosis was seen in DCM patients (p=0.080). Long-term survival was comparable between the groups.

CONCLUSION

The aetiology of heart failure did not impact short-term or long-term clinical outcomes after VAD surgery. Multicentre registry data are necessary to substantiate these findings.