Impact of adverse events on health-related quality of life after left ventricular assist device implantation: An STS INTERMACS analysis

Enhancing Care in Cardiogenic Shock: Role of Palliative Care in Acute Cardiogenic Shock Through Destination Therapy

Despite advances in the management of cardiogenic shock (CS), morbidity and mortality in CS remain exceedingly high and one third of patients do not survive their admission. Palliative care (PC) is an interdisciplinary approach focussed on improving the quality of life of patients and families facing life-threatening illness. Rates of PC use in CS remain low, despite evidence suggesting decreased symptom burden and reduced use of health care in patients with heart failure and in critical care settings. PC should occur in tandem with mobilization of aggressive life-sustaining measures such as mechanical circulatory support (MCS) and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in the care of patients presenting with CS. In this review, we describe the role of PC throughout the care continuum of patients with acute CS through to destination therapy with a left ventricular assist device. We explore the current use of PC in CS and challenges to goals-of-care discussions posed by MCS and ECMO, and highlight strategies on integrating PC in acute and chronic CS. Finally, we demonstrate the importance of incorporating PC early in management and challenge the traditional use of PC primarily as an end-of-life intervention.

Early stroke following durable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation: An analysis of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Intermacs National Database

BACKGROUND

Stroke remains a devastating complication of durable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy. This study evaluated the incidence and risk factors for early stroke within 7 days following LVAD implantation investigating both traditional pre-implant and new intraoperative variables collected by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) Intermacs National Database.

METHODS

STS Intermacs was queried for patients undergoing implantation of a fully magnetically levitated centrifugal LVAD between November 25, 2020 and June 30, 2023. STS Intermacs stroke definitions were used to identify patients who suffered a stroke within the first 7 postoperative days (POD). A multivariable logistic regression model was created to generate adjusted odd ratios (OR) for variables associated with early stroke.

RESULTS

Among 6,950 patients in the study cohort, 5.9% (413/6950) developed a stroke after a median follow-up of 11 months, with 50% (205/413) of strokes occurring within 7 days after LVAD implantation. Of the strokes occurring during POD 0-7, 70% (144/205) occurred on POD 0-2. By multivariable analysis, the following factors were associated with early stroke: older age (70 vs 50; OR 1.4, p = 0.0129), white race (OR 1.5, p = 0.0078), pre-implant temporary mechanical circulatory support (MCS) bridge (temporary LVAD only: OR 1.6, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation [ECMO] only: OR 1.7, combination of both devices: OR 3.3; p = 0.0001) and presence of an unremoved left atrial clot (OR 8.0, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

A significant proportion of strokes occur within the first 7 days following LVAD implantation, particularly within the first 2 days. In addition to pre-implant variables, we identified modifiable intraoperative factors associated with stroke that provide an opportunity for further risk mitigation and improvement in quality of care.

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Intermacs 2024 Annual Report: Focus on Outcomes in Younger Patients

The 15th Annual Report from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support includes 29,634 continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices from the 10-year period between 2014 and 2024. The outcomes reported here demonstrate continued improved survival in the current era of fully magnetically levitated devices, with a significantly higher 1-year (85.7% vs 78.4%) and 5-year (59.7% vs 43.7%) survival than those receiving non-magnetically levitated devices. Magnetically levitated device recipients are experiencing a lower incidence of adverse events, including freedom from gastrointestinal bleeding (72.6%), device malfunction (82.9%), and stroke (86.7%) at 5 years. Additionally, a focus on a subgroup of patients younger than 50 years of age has demonstrated both superior outcomes in survival (91.6% survival at 1 year and 72.6% survival at 5 years) and decreased incidence of adverse events compared with older recipients. This younger cohort also demonstrated more tolerance to the characteristics of sex, race, ethnicity, and psychosocial indicators that are associated with worse outcomes after heart transplantation. Based upon these data, a potential net prolongation of life may be realized by considering prolonged left ventricular assist device support prior to heart transplantation in this population. These analyses provide preliminary data that could positively influence adoption of left ventricular assist device technology in groups previously not seen as candidates for this therapy, while providing a more responsible donor allocation strategy for advanced heart failure patients.

Outcomes and quality of life in patients receiving durable left ventricular assist device with biventricular support

BACKGROUND

Patients requiring biventricular support (BIVAD) face higher morbidity than those undergoing durable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation alone. The goal of the current study was to evaluate quality of life (QOL) of patients with LVAD therapy in the modern era, stratified by use of biventricular support.

METHODS

All patients undergoing LVAD at our center were reviewed between October 2017 and September 2021. Patients were stratified by perioperative use of BIVAD. Patients were administered a telephone survey consisting of the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ-12) as well as free-responses regarding satisfaction surrounding their operation. Outcomes included survival, KCCQ-12 metrics, and thematic analysis of free response questions.

RESULTS

92 patients were identified, of whom 26 (28%) received BIVAD support. BIVAD patients had more preoperative ECMO use (54% vs. 12%, p < 0.001) and lower INTERMACS scores (Category 1: 46% vs. 14%, p = 0.001). Three-year survival was 73.8% among LVAD-alone patients and 50.1% among BIVAD patients (log-rank p = 0.022). Median composite KCCQ-12 score was 78 (57-88). No differences in composite or any component scores were noted between groups. 76% of patients report they would be moderately or extremely like to go through surgery again if given repeat choice. The most common themes expressed were overall gratitude (24%) and disappointment with device-related restrictions (20%).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients requiring BIVAD therapy have more advanced shock, longer associated hospital courses, and lower long-term survival. However, those that survive enjoy similar overall quality of life, and many endorse positive outlooks on their surgical course. Continued assessments of quality of life are important in providing patient-centered LVAD care.

Association of Novel Ventricular Assist Device Self-report Measures With Overall Health-Related Quality of Life

BACKGROUND

Few study authors examined factors influencing health-related quality of life (HRQOL) early after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine whether 5 novel self-report measures and other variables were significantly associated with overall HRQOL at 3 months after LVAD surgery.

METHODS

Patients were recruited between October 26, 2016, and February 29, 2020, from 12 US sites. Data were collected before LVAD implantation and at 3 months post LVAD implantation. Overall HRQOL measures included the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire-12 (KCCQ-12) overall summary score (OSS) and EuroQol 5-dimension- 3L visual analog scale. Potential factors associated with overall HRQOL included 5 novel self-report measures (Satisfaction with Treatment, Being Bothered by VAD Self-care and Limitations, VAD Team Communication, Self-efficacy regarding VAD Self-care, and Stigma), and demographic and clinical characteristics. Statistics included regression analyses.

RESULTS

Of enrollees, 242 completed self-report measures at baseline, and 142 completed measures 3 months postoperatively. Patients were 55 ± 13 years old, with 21% female, 24% non-White, 39% high school or lower educated, and 47% destination therapy. Using the KCCQ-12 OSS, higher Satisfaction with Treatment was associated with a higher KCCQ-12 OSS; Being Bothered by VAD Self-care and Limitations, high school or lower education, chest incision pain, cardiac dysrhythmias within 3 postoperative months, and peripheral edema were associated with a worse KCCQ-12 OSS (R2 = 0.524). Factors associated with a worse 3-month EuroQol 5-dimension-3L visual analog scale were female sex, adverse events within 3 months post implantation (cardiac dysrhythmias, bleeding, and venous thrombosis), and chest incision pain (R2 = 0.229). No factors were associated with a higher EuroQol 5-dimension-3L visual analog scale score at 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Two novel measures, demographics, postimplantation adverse events, and symptoms were associated with post-LVAD KCCQ-12 OSS early after surgery.

Integration of palliative care across the spectrum of heart failure care and therapies: considerations, contemporary data, and challenges

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Heart failure (HF) is characterized by significant symptoms, compromised quality of life, frequent hospital admissions, and high mortality, and is therefore well suited to palliative care (PC) intervention. This review elaborates the current PC needs of patients with HF across the spectrum of disease, including patients who undergo advanced HF surgical therapies, and reviews the current data and future directions for PC integration in HF care.

RECENT FINDINGS

Patients with chronic HF, as well as those who are being evaluated for or who have undergone advanced HF surgical therapies such as left ventricular assist device or heart transplantation, have a number of PC needs, including decision-making, symptoms and quality of life, caregiver support, and end-of-life care. Available data primarily supports the use of PC interventions in chronic HF to improve quality of life and symptoms. PC skills and teams may also help address preparedness planning, adverse events, and psychosocial barriers in patients who have had HF surgeries, but more data are needed to determine association with outcomes.

SUMMARY

Patients with HF have tremendous PC needs across the spectrum of disease. Despite this, more data are needed to determine the optimal timing and structure of PC interventions in patients with chronic HF, left ventricular assist device, and heart transplantation. Future steps must be taken in clinical, research, and policy domains in order to optimize care.