Artificial intelligence-based analysis of body composition predicts outcome in patients receiving long-term mechanical circulatory support.

Background: Obesity is a known cardiovascular risk factor and associated with higher postoperative complication rates in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. In heart failure (HF), conflicting evidence in terms of survival has been reported, whereas sarcopenia is associated with poor prognosis. An increasing number of HF patients require left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantations.

Comparison of feasibility and results of frailty assessment methods prior to left ventricular assist device implantation.

Aims: Assessing frailty and sarcopenia is considered a valuable cornerstone of perioperative risk stratification in advanced heart failure patients. The lack of an international consensus on a diagnostic standard impedes its implementation in the clinical routine. This study aimed to compare the feasibility and prognostic impact of different assessment tools in patients undergoing continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (cf-LVAD) implantation.

Impact of left ventricular inspection employing cardiopulmonary bypass on outcome after implantation of left ventricular assist device.

Background: Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) during left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation provides circulatory support and allows for safe inspection of the left ventricle (LV), whereas circulatory support by veno-arterial extracorporeal life support (va-ECLS) or off-pump implantation may reduce postoperative bleeding and inflammatory response.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of 616 consecutive adult patients who received an LVAD via median sternotomy between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2019. All patients undergoing concomitant intracardiac procedures other than closure of persistent foramen ovale or atrial septal defect and redo surgeries were excluded from the analysis.

Impact of Muscle Mass as a Prognostic Factor for Failed Waiting Time Prior to Heart Transplantation.

Clinical deterioration during the waiting time impairs the prognosis of patients listed for heart transplantation. Reduced muscle mass increases the risk for mortality after cardiac surgery, but its impact on resilience against deterioration during the waiting time remains unclear. We retrospectively analyzed data from 93 patients without a VAD who were listed in Eurotransplant status "high urgent (HU)" for heart transplantation between January 2015 and October 2020.

Safety of Contemporary Heart Failure Therapy in Patients with Continuous-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Devices.

Background: Limited data are available concerning the safety, optimal administration and benefits of contemporary heart failure therapy in patients after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation.

Methods: Between 2015 and 2019, 257 patients underwent LVAD implantation and were included in this observational study. Oral heart failure therapy was initiated and uptitrated during the further course.