Left ventricular assist device therapy improves utilization of donor hearts.
OBJECTIVE
We sought to determine the survival experiences of patients bridged to heart transplantation with either intravenous (IV) inotropes or an implantable left ventricular assist device (LVAD).


BACKGROUND
Because of the operative risks of LVAD implantation and the reported lower mortality associated with inotropic therapy, bridging to heart transplantation with inotropes is thought to be the preferred treatment option.


METHODS
Between April 1, 1996, and May 10, 2001, a total of 104 patients were bridged to heart transplantation with either IV inotropes (n = 38) or an implantable LVAD (n = 66; HeartMate). Survival was compared (Kaplan-Meier method) for three periods: survival to transplantation, post-transplantation survival and overall survival (i.e., survival from the onset of bridging to follow-up).


RESULTS
Survival to transplantation was 81 +/- 5% at three months for the LVAD group and 64 +/- 11% for the inotrope group (p = NS). Post-transplantation survival was 95 +/- 4% at three years for the LVAD group (two deaths) and 65 +/- 10% at three years for the inotrope group (nine deaths; p = 0.007). Overall survival was 77 +/- 6% at three years for the LVAD group and 44 +/- 9% at three years for the inotrope group (p = 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Overall survival for patients who were bridged to heart transplantation with an implantable LVAD was superior to that of patients who were bridged with inotropes. Bridging to transplantation with an implantable LVAD improves utilization of donor hearts.
Aaronson
Keith D
KD
Division of Cardiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA.
Eppinger
Michael J
MJ
Dyke
David B
DB
Wright
Susan
S
Pagani
Francis D
FD
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery; D013504:Cardiovascular Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation; D004869:Equipment Safety; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D016027:Heart Transplantation; D006352:Heart Ventricles / Q000601:surgery*; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008824:Michigan; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D002316:Cardiotonic Agents