Restoration Of Left Ventricular Function Following LVAD Implantation – Remission Or Recovery? A Case series

Abstract

Background A wide range of left ventricular (LV) recovery rates on left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support have been reported. In this case series, we summarize our experience with LVAD explantation for presumed LV recovery. Case series Out of 240 patients who received an LVAD implant in our program since its inception, we explanted/inactivated the pump for presumed LV recovery in only three patients. All three of these patients had relapse of cardiomyopathy within 6 months of explantation. Conclusion Our experience does not support the existence of LV recovery following LVAD implantation as a common phenomenon. Improvement in LV function on LVAD is sustainable only with mechanical circulatory support and once the offloading support provided by the device is removed recurrent failure quickly ensue. Likely the term “remission” reflects the status more accurately than the term “recovery”.