Results of non-elective withdrawal of continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices in selected patients.

Background: Protocols have been developed to identify patients for elective withdrawal of continuous-flow left ventricular device (cfLVAD) support. However, little is known about non-elective explantation or decommissioning of cfLVADs.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent left ventricular assist device (LVAD) explantation or decommissioning at a single center between 2002 and 2021 was performed.

Results from a multicentre evaluation of plug use for left ventricular assist device explantation.

Objectives: Myocardial recovery allows for left ventricular assist device (LVAD) explantations after long-term support. Several surgical approaches, including interventional decommissioning, off-pump explantation using a custom-made plug and complete LVAD removal through redo sternotomy, have been described. We present the results from an evaluation of the long-term follow-up of patients who received a titanium sintered plug after LVAD explantation.

Impact of extra-corporeal life support (ECLS) cannulation strategy on outcome after durable mechanical circulation support system implantation on behalf of durable MCS after ECLS Study Group.

Background: The literature on outcomes of patients requiring durable mechanical circulatory support (MCS) after extra-corporeal life support (ECLS) is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of preoperative ECLS cannulation on postoperative outcome after durable MCS implantation.

Methods: The durable MCS after ECLS registry is a multicenter retrospective study that gathered data on consecutive patients who underwent durable MCS implantation after ECLS between January 2010 and August 2018 in eleven high volume European centers.

Transition From Temporary to Durable Circulatory Support Systems.

Background: The decision to implant durable mechanical circulatory systems (MCSs) in patients on extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is challenging due to expected poor outcomes in these patients.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify outcome predictors that may facilitate future patient selection and decision making.

Methods: The Durable MCS after ECLS registry is a multicenter retrospective study that gathered data on consecutive patients who underwent MCS implantation after ECLS between January 2010 and August 2018 in 11 high-volume European centers.

Retrospective 1-year outcome follow-up in 200 patients supported with HeartMate 3 and HeartWare left ventricular assist devices in a single centre.

Objectives: Various trials have assessed the outcome and reliability of the HeartWare HVAD (HW) and HeartMate 3 (HM3) left ventricular assist devices. A direct comparison of clinical outcomes and of the complication profile of these 2 left ventricular assist devices is lacking. We present a retrospective analysis of patients supported with HM3 and HW as a left ventricular assist device.

Impact of preoperative atrial fibrillation on thromboembolic events and pump thrombosis in long-term left ventricular assist device therapy.

Objectives: Pump thrombosis (PT) and thromboembolic events (TEs) remain major adverse events in left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy at an annual rate of 6-8% supported with the HeartWare HVAD and HeartMate II. PT and TEs are multifactorial events. Understanding the predisposing risk factors for PT and TE is paramount to define preventive strategies.

Temporary mechanical circulatory support for refractory heart failure: the German Heart Center Berlin experience.

Background: Temporary mechanical circulatory support (MCS) offers a valuable option for treatment of refractory heart failure. We present our experience with selected MCS devices in cardiogenic shock of different etiologies.

Methods: We retrospectively studied patients who were treated in our institution between 01/2016 and 07/2018.

Predictors of mid-term outcomes in patients undergoing implantation of a ventricular assist device directly after extracorporeal life support.

Objectives: Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) can be applied as a bridge to diagnosis and decision-making for further treatment with long-term left ventricular assist devices (LVADs).

Methods: From January 2012 to January 2018, 714 adult patients were treated with ECLS in our institution. During the same period, 618 patients received an LVAD for long-term support.