Continuous-flow left ventricular assist device exchange: Clinical outcomes

Background A percentage of patients with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) require device exchange. Although this is an important clinical entity, there are only a handful of relevant studies on this topic in the literature. Methods From 2004 to 2012, 30 device exchanges (HeartMate II to HeartMate II) were performed. Since June 2011, we have employed the subcostal approach for device exchange if indicated. Sixteen patients underwent device exchange through a subcostal approach (S group), whereas 14 patients had devices exchanged through a full sternotomy (F group). Pre- and post-operative data were retrospectively reviewed. Results There was no difference in baseline patient characteristics between the two groups. Overall, mean duration between primary surgery and device exchange was 425 ± 407 days. Surgical indications included device thrombus/hemolysis (N = 19), device malfunction (N = 9) and infection (N = 2). Cardiopulmonary bypass time was significantly shorter in the S group (S: 40 ± 23 minutes, F: 105 ± 84 minutes; p < 0.05), and post-operative bleeding within 24 hours after surgery was less in the S group (S: 362 ± 367 ml, F: 1,286 ± 971 ml; p < 0.05). Length of ICU stay was significantly shorter in the S group (S: 4.6 ± 1.8 days, F: 8.2 ± 4.9 days; p < 0.05). There was no difference in post-operative complications, except for prolonged intubation (F: N = 6 [43%], S: N = 1 [6.3%]; p < 0.05). There were 3 deaths in the F group and 0 in the S group, with no statistical difference (p = 0.09). Also, there was no significant difference in other outcomes, including transplantation, device explantation and ongoing LVAD support. Conclusions A subcostal approach may be preferred for HeartMate II device exchange if indicated.