INTERMACS Analysis of Stroke During Support With Continuous-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Devices: Risk Factors and Outcomes.

Objectives: This study sought to evaluate predictors of stroke during left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support from data available prior to implantation, and quantify stroke-related morbidity and mortality.

Background: Stroke is a major complication after LVAD. Pre-implant factors that influence stroke are not well understood.

Methods: We evaluated all patients in INTERMACS (Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support) who were implanted with continuous flow LVADs from May 1, 2012, to March 31, 2015. Pre-operative risk factors for stroke and stroke incidence, morbidity, and mortality were analyzed.

Results: During the study period, 7,112 patients underwent continuous flow LVAD placement. Median follow-up was 9.79 months (range 0.02 to 34.96 months). Of all patients, 752 (10.57%) had at least 1 stroke, with an incidence rate of 0.123 strokes per patient-year. A total of 447 (51.38%) strokes were ischemic and 423 (48.62%) were hemorrhagic. Patients with hemorrhagic stroke had worse survival than those with ischemic strokes (30-day survival: 45.3% vs. 80.7%; p < 0.001). Of patients with a first stroke, 13% had a second stroke. Pre-implant predictors of stroke were female sex (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.51; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.25 to 1.82; p < 0.001), pre-implant systolic blood pressure (HR: 1.01; 95% CI: 1.00 to 1.01; p = 0.002), heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HR: 3.68; 95% CI: 1.60 to 8.47; p = 0.002), intra-aortic balloon pump (HR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.46; p = 0.043), and primary cardiac diagnosis (ischemic/other/unknown) (p = 0.040).

Conclusions: Despite improvements in LVAD technology, stroke-related morbidity and mortality is substantial. Further investigation is necessary to decrease the risk of this devastating complication.