In previous studies, mechanical support of medically refractory hearts with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) has induced regression of many morphological and functional abnormalities characteristic of failing human hearts. To identify transcriptional adaptations in failing and LVAD-supported hearts, we performed a comprehensive transcription analysis using the Affymetrix microarray platf...

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine renal outcomes after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. BACKGROUND Renal dysfunction before LVAD placement is frequent, and it is unclear whether it is due to primary renal disease or to poor perfusion. METHODS A retrospective single-center analysis was conducted in 83 consecutive patients implanted with HeartMate II continu...

BACKGROUND Skeletal muscle mass decreases in end-stage heart failure and is predictive of clinical outcomes in several disease states. Skeletal muscle attenuation and quantity as quantified on preoperative chest computed tomographic scans may be predictive of mortality after continuous flow (CF) left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. METHODS AND RESULTS A single-center continuous...

BACKGROUND The incidence, predictors, and impact of atrial arrhythmias along with left atrial structural changes in patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) remain undetermined. METHODS AND RESULTS All patients who underwent LVAD implantation from 2008 to 2015 at the University of Chicago Medical Center were included. Electronic medical records, electrocardiograms, echocardiogram...

BACKGROUND Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have been used as an effective therapeutic option in patients with advanced heart failure, either as a bridge to transplantation, as destination therapy, or in some patients, as a bridge to recovery. OBJECTIVES This study evaluated whether patients undergoing an LVAD bridge-to-recovery protocol can achieve cardiac and physical functional capa...

Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy unloads the failing heart but exposes the human body to unique pathophysiologic demands such as continuous blood flow and complete univentricular support, which are associated with increased risk of adverse clinical outcomes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are 22-23 nucleotide RNAs involved in regulation of multiple biologic processes including the pathogenesis...

INTRODUCTION Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) patients refractory to medical therapy and intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) counterpulsation or in whom weaning from these therapies is impossible, are candidates for a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) as a bridge to recovery or transplant. Continuous-flow LVADs are smaller, have a better long-term durability and are associated with better outc...

PurposeLeft Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) as a bridge to heart transplantation (BTT) has been described risk factor for post-heart (HT) sensitization and rejection. Donor-derived cell-free-DNA (dd-cfDNA) test is noninvasive method surveillance of allograft injury. We sought characterize dd-cfDNA in LVAD-BTT recipients compared non-LVAD patients its impact on post-HT outcomes.MethodsPatients ...

Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) use has increased as a bridge to heart transplant as well as destination therapy in patients with severe heart failure. Presence of LVAD is not a contraindication to noncardiac surgery but does present special challenges to the surgical, anesthesia, and cardiac teams. We present the case of a 40-year-old woman with idiopathic cardiomyopathy necessitating LV...

The objective was to determine which factors might help to predict the need for mechanical right ventricular support following insertion of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). A retrospective analysis was performed on 24 patients with cardiomyopathies who had insertion of a LVAD as a bridge to heart transplantation at Presbyterian University Hospital during the period 1987 to 1991. Group...