83 Clinical and haemodynamic status beyond 3 months of mechanical support with the heartware ventricular assist device: Abstract 83 Table 1

Abstract

Introduction: Limited data exist on the longer term clinical and haemodynamic impact of the HeartWare left ventricular assist device (HVAD) when used as a bridge to heart transplantation. Patients who had a device longer than 3 months were reviewed. Methods: 26 patients had a HVAD implanted from 07/2009 to 07/ 2010 (mean age 46.8 years, 18 male, 5174 total days of support). Baseline and follow-up NYHA functional class, peak VO2 (bicycle exercise), right heart haemodynamics, biochemistry and mortality outcome were compared using paired t test. Results: 22/26 (85%) patients survived beyond 3 months. 4 patients died before (mean survival 40 days, 2 stroke and 2 multi-organ failure) and 2 died after (mean survival 173 days, 1 stroke, 1 right heart failure) discharge from hospital. 2 patients were transplanted (at 3 and 241 days after implant) and 1 had recovery of LV function. Follow-up data is available for 14/20 survivors (mean 197 days from implant). Significant results are shown in the Abstract 83 table 1. There was no significant change in peak VO 2 (9.9+/-1.8 to 12.9+/-3.8, p=0.08), haemoglobin (12.7+/-1.7 to 12.1+/-1.2, p=0.3) or creatinine (122+/-41 to 105+/-38, p=0.19). (Table presented) Conclusions The HVAD results in significant improvement in functional class, right heart haemodynamics, cardiac output and sodium levels beyond 3 months of therapy. Ongoing randomised clinical trials will establish the long-term outcome of this device.