Left ventricular device implantation for advanced cardiac amyloidosis

J Heart Lung Transplant. 2013 May;32(5):563-8. doi: 10.1016/j.healun.2013.01.987. Epub 2013 Mar 6.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze the post-hospital outcomes in patients with senile or familial cardiac amyloidosis treated with left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. From December 1, 2008 to May 31, 2012, a total of 9 patients underwent LVAD placement for heart failure secondary to amyloidosis. Prior to LVAD placement, all patients were New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class IV and had a significantly decreased cardiac index (mean 1.93 liters/min/m(2) [1.64 to 2.36]). All patients tolerated LVAD implantation well. Post-operatively, 2 patients died prior to hospital discharge. Three patients died since discharge with a median survival of 13.7 months. Four patients remained alive with a follow-up of 16-24 months. The most common adverse event since placement has been gastrointestinal bleeding (3 of 9 patients). Firm conclusions cannot be drawn from our investigation, but the present observations suggest LVAD implantation is technically feasible for patients with severe heart failure due to advanced cardiac amyloidosis.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Amyloidosis / diagnosis
  • Amyloidosis / mortality
  • Amyloidosis / therapy*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Heart Diseases / diagnosis
  • Heart Diseases / mortality
  • Heart Diseases / therapy*
  • Heart-Assist Devices*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prognosis
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Survival Rate
  • Treatment Outcome