Short-term circulatory support with left ventricular assist devices as a bridge to cardiac transplantation or recovery

2.1.1 The management of patients with end-stage heart failure or acute heart failure from naturally reversible causes is challenging; it may involve combination medical therapy (including inotropic support), intra-aortic balloon pumping and heart transplantation.

2.1.2 Short-term circulatory support with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) may be indicated for patients with end-stage heart failure (of any aetiology) who are awaiting a donor heart for transplantation, and for patients with a severe acute heart failure syndrome from which myocardial recovery is anticipated (such as acute myocarditis). An LVAD is sometimes used if weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass after cardiac surgery fails.

2.2.1 A number of LVADs that increase cardiac output by providing mechanical support to the failing left ventricle are available. The choice of device depends on the patient's body size, the length of time support is required, the degree of support needed and the type of blood flow desired.

2.2.2 Implantation of an LVAD is done under general anaesthesia through a chest incision; surgery usually takes several hours. The inflow pipe of the LVAD is inserted into the left side of the heart, usually the left ventricle, and the outflow pipe is inserted into the systemic arterial system, usually the aorta. The LVAD pumps oxygenated blood from the failing left ventricle into the systemic arterial system under pressure.

2.3.1 In the active arm of a non-randomised controlled study, 78% (32/41) of patients survived for a mean of 215 days with LVAD support. In another comparative study, 81% (13/16) of patients survived to transplant (duration of support not stated). One case series showed that at 30 days of bridging to transplantation with an LVAD, survival was 83%, falling to 19% after 24 months' support.

2.3.2 In a non-randomised controlled trial, post-transplant survival of patients bridged on LVAD support was 66% (21/32) at 41 months, compared with 67% (98/146) of patients at 36 months who had a transplant without circulatory support, although patients in the latter group were significantly older. One case series of 243 patients in whom LVADs were used to bridge to transplantation reported actuarial post-transplant survival of 91% at 1 year, 70% at 5 years and 40% at 10 years. Results from case series included in a systematic review showed that between 60% (12/20) and 83% (5/6) of patients survived to transplantation or were still alive awaiting transplantation on LVAD support.

2.3.3 Of the total cases of bridge to recovery reported, 58% (7/12) of patients survived to final follow-up; successful explanation of the device or weaning from support was achieved in all these patients. For more details, refer to the 'Sources of evidence' section.

2.3.4 The Specialist Advisers commented that LVADs may improve quality of life and survival rates in patients with an otherwise fatal condition while waiting for transplantation.

2.4.1 Definition of infection varied among the studies identified. In a case series documented in a systematic review, rates of infection during LVAD support ranging from 0% (0/10) to 100% (5/5) were reported. A non-randomised controlled trial noted infection in 8% (1/13) of patients during LVAD bridging, and one case series reported an infection rate of 18% (43/243).

2.4.2 Definitions of cerebral events varied between studies, which made interpretation difficult. Cerebral infarction causing stroke was found to have occurred in 21% (55/264) of patients in 1 series. In a second case series, cerebrovascular accident occurred in 5% (13/243) of patients, and stroke occurred in 5% (13/243) of patients during support time (mean 78 days). In a third series, a neurological event (not defined) occurred in 8% (1/13) of patients.

2.4.3 In a systematic review, significant haemorrhage was reported in between 10% (1/10) and 30% (6/20) of patients. Re-operation because of bleeding was required in 31% (4/13) of patients in one series.

2.4.4 Other complications reported during LVAD support were renal failure, respiratory failure and haemolysis. For more details, refer to the 'Sources of evidence' section.

2.4.5 The Specialist Advisers noted that adverse events relating to the procedure include bleeding, infection, device malfunction, haemolysis, peripheral ischaemia and perforation of a ventricle or the aorta. In addition, they noted that theoretical complications include device-related thrombosis and device-related strokes.

2.5.1 This guidance refers to patients for whom other treatments such as intra-aortic balloon pumping would be ineffective, who are considered eligible for heart transplantation, or who have acute severe heart failure that is likely to be reversible (such as acute myocarditis). It was noted that other patients might potentially benefit from this procedure, such as patients who cannot be weaned off cardiopulmonary bypass after cardiac surgery and patients with cardiogenic shock after acute myocardial infarction.

2.5.2 It was noted that a number of different devices are available for this procedure and that the technology is evolving rapidly. Some devices include a right-ventricular assist device (biventricular assist devices). The Institute may review this guidance upon publication of further evidence.

2.5.3 It was also noted that implantation of an LVAD could unmask previously subclinical right ventricular dysfunction.

2.5.4 These recommendations exclude circulatory support with left ventricular devices as destination therapy.