Impact of perioperative right ventricular assist device on ventricular arrhythmias in patients with continuous flow left ventricular assist device. (25th November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dhawan, R; Selim, A; Jhand, A; Lundgren, S; Zolty, R; Khan, F
• Is Part Of: European heart journal. Volume 41:(2020)Supplement 2
• Publication Date: 2020-11-25
• Subjects: Ventricular Assist Devices; Cardiology -- Periodicals; Heart -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.12005
• DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/ehaa946.1096
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0195-668X

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Patients with continuous flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) may develop right ventricular failure in perioperative period of LVAD implantation. Some of these patients require temporary support with right ventricular assist device (RVAD). There is paucity of data regarding the impact of RVAD support on incidence of ventricular arrhythmias (VA) in LVAD patients. Purpose: To assess the impact of perioperative RVAD support on the incidence of VA in the first 6 months after LVAD implant. Methods: This is a retrospective study including 316 patients undergoing LVAD implantation at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, USA since 2012. Patients were divided into 2 groups- those who required perioperative RVAD support (BiVAD group) and those who did not require it (LVAD only group). VA was defined as any sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmia lasting more than 30 seconds or requiring therapy from implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. Incidence of VA in the first 6 months post-LVAD implantation was analyzed and compared between the groups using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. Results: Out of 316 total patients, 52 (16%) patients required RVAD support. The difference in age, gender, race and medications between the two groups was not statistically significant. The patients in BiVAD group had a higher incidence of post-LVAD VA (35%) as compared to LVAD only group (21%). On Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, the difference was found to be statistically significant even after adjusting for history of pre-LVAD VAs (HR: 2.27; p=0.02) (Figure 1). Conclusion: In this large single center cohort of LVAD patients, we noticed a statistically higher incidence of VA in subgroup of patients requiring perioperative RVAD support. Funding Acknowledgement: Type of funding source: None