Atrial fibrillation and vascular complications and their impact on
outcome after Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation
Abstract
Objectives: Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation is a
common therapy for end-stage heart failure. LVAD patients often present
with atrial fibrillation (AF). The purpose of this study was to evaluate
the influence of AF in combination with vascular complications on
outcome in LVAD patients. Methods: Between 01/2010 and 12/2017, 168
patients (141 male) with end-stage heart failure underwent LVAD
implantation at a single center. Patient outcome was retrospectively
studied using the Kaplan-Meier method for analyzing crude survival as
well as Cox regression for analyzing risk factors. Results: Sixty-two
patients suffered from preoperative atrial fibrillation at LVAD
implantation. Mean age was 56.8±11.9 years (range: 22–79) and 141
(84%) were male. Postoperatively, vascular or visceral surgical
management due to malperfusion was needed in 27 patients (16.1%) and
did not correlate with postoperative mortality (p=0.121, HR=1.587,
CI=0.885–2.845). Patient with AF had by trend an impaired outcome in
Kaplan-Meier analysis (p=0.069). Cox regression analysis revealed
postoperative AF (n=53, p=0.316, HR=1.281, CI=0.789–2.079),
preoperative mechanical support (MCS) [extracorporeal membrane
oxygenator (ECMO), intraaortic balloon pump, Abiomed Impella® (n=74,
p=0.160, HR=1.391, CI=0.878-2.206)] as no significant risk factors for
death. Conclusions: Our data suggest preoperative AF may be a potential
predictor of mortality and impaired long-term outcome in LVAD patients.
In contrast preoperative ECLS and vascular or visceral surgery after
LVAD implantation did not represent limiting factors with regard to
mortality after LVAD implantation.