ANDREW B. CIVITELLO, M.D.

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This study looked at patients with severe heart failure who had high pressure in their lung blood vessels (a condition called elevated pulmonary vascular resistance, or PVR) and were getting a special device to help their heart (called an LVAD). They found that patients with moderate to severe leakage of blood through the heart's mitral valve (mitral regurgitation, or MR) had better survival rates and higher chances of getting a heart transplant compared to those with mild or no MR—specifically, they had a 36% lower chance of dying and were nearly three times more likely to receive a transplant. These results are important because they suggest that the severity of MR can help doctors choose the best treatment options for patients in severe heart failure. Who this helps: This benefits patients with end-stage heart failure and healthcare providers involved in their treatment.

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This study looked at how effective a heart pump (ventricular assist device) is for adults with congenital heart disease who can't get heart transplants right away. Researchers followed 9 patients for an average of 4.2 years, finding that 3 of them were able to receive transplants after waiting about 2.1 years. Most of the patients did not have major problems related to the device, showing that it can be a safe and long-lasting option for these patients. Who this helps: This helps adults with congenital heart disease who struggle with heart failure.

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This study examined how kidney function changes over 90 days after patients receive a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), which is used to help those with severe heart issues. They analyzed data from two groups, totaling nearly 11,000 patients, and found that kidney function, measured by a specific rate (eGFR), often decreases significantly over time, particularly for older patients and females. Understanding these changes is important because they relate to patient survival and can guide better care for those receiving LVADs. Who this helps: This benefits patients with heart failure who receive LVADs and their doctors.

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This study looked at whether women have more severe heart failure when they receive a heart pump, compared to men. Researchers found that women often experience worse right heart failure before the procedure and have higher rates of complications and mortality afterwards; specifically, women had worse overall survival than men after one year. This is important because it highlights the need for better awareness and treatment for women with heart failure to improve their outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits patients, particularly women with heart failure.

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This study looked at how kidney function before and after surgery affects the likelihood of developing right heart failure in patients who received a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). Out of 8,076 LVAD recipients, 26.4% experienced right heart failure one month after surgery, and among those followed for three months, 4.2% continued to have it. Patients with lower kidney function before the surgery were more likely to experience right heart failure, indicating that kidney health is important for recovery after the procedure. Who this helps: This helps patients receiving LVADs and their doctors in understanding the importance of monitoring kidney function before and after surgery.

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Researchers looked at whether doing an endoscopy before putting in a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) could lower the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) after the procedure. They examined 398 patients and found that 114 experienced GIB within a year, with a higher rate among those who had endoscopy (36.4% compared to 24.8%). The study concluded that pre-LVAD endoscopy actually increased the risk of bleeding, suggesting that this screening might not be necessary. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers making decisions about pre-LVAD procedures.

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This study looked at the effects of low blood pressure (vasoplegia) after patients received a continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD) to support their heart. Out of 600 patients, 182 (30.3%) experienced vasoplegia, with 78 (13.0%) suffering from prolonged vasoplegia lasting 12 to 24 hours. Those with prolonged vasoplegia had a higher risk of dying within 30 days (16.7%) compared to those with shorter vasoplegia (5.8%), indicating that managing blood pressure issues after surgery is important for better patient survival. Who this helps: This benefits patients who undergo heart surgery and their doctors managing their postoperative care.

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This study looked at patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) who had to stop taking blood thinners (anticoagulation) and how this affected their health. Researchers found that 28.6% of the 245 patients were off anticoagulation during follow-up; specifically, those who stopped for 30 days or more faced a significantly higher risk of having a stroke (8.5 times more likely) and dying (3.9 times more likely). This is important because it highlights the dangers of stopping blood thinners for extended periods in LVAD patients. Who this helps: This information is valuable for doctors treating LVAD patients to make safer decisions about anticoagulation management.

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This study looked at how well continuous-flow ventricular assist devices (CF-VADs) help adult patients with congenital heart disease who are experiencing severe heart failure. Out of 18 patients, most received durable CF-VADs, with 93% surviving to leave the hospital, and they had an average support time of nearly 26 months. The research highlights that these devices can be effective temporary and long-term solutions for patients with complex heart conditions, making a significant impact on their quality of life and survival rates. Who this helps: This benefits adult congenital heart disease patients and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at the effects of a new heart transplant policy introduced in 2018, which changed how donor hearts are allocated to patients in need. Since the policy started, it has led to important changes in how quickly patients receive transplants, with some high-priority patients seeing improvements in wait times and outcomes. Specifically, the new system has allowed for broader sharing of donor hearts and better targeting of those most in need, making the process fairer and potentially saving lives. Who this helps: This benefits patients waiting for heart transplants, especially those with critical health conditions.

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This study looked at patients who received a special heart pump called a continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD) and whether needing a tracheostomy (a procedure to help with breathing) affected their survival. Out of 664 patients, 106 (16%) required a tracheostomy, and those patients had significantly worse survival rates—only 22% survived three years after surgery compared to 61% for those who didn't need the procedure. This is important because it highlights that patients at risk for respiratory problems may need more careful evaluation before getting the CF-LVAD, and better ways to prevent breathing issues are essential. Who this helps: This helps doctors make better treatment decisions for patients with severe heart problems.

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This study looked at how using a heart-lung machine called ECMO can help patients with severe heart failure who need a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) to support their heart. Out of 768 heart failure patients studied, 133 had the most severe form of the condition (INTERMACS profile 1) and 26 of them received ECMO support before getting the LVAD. The results showed that both groups—those who received ECMO and those who didn't—had similar survival rates, with about 15% dying in the first 30 days and around 55-60% living for a year after surgery, which means using ECMO doesn’t seem to negatively affect the chances of recovery. Who this helps: This helps patients with severe heart failure and their doctors, particularly those considering advanced treatment options.

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This study looked at how patients who were on dialysis before receiving a heart device called a continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD) fared after the procedure. Out of 621 patients, 31 had been on dialysis, with 17 on long-term dialysis and 14 on short-term dialysis. The findings showed that those on long-term dialysis had significantly better chances of survival six months (64.7% vs. 14.3%) and one year (58.8% vs. 7.1%) after the surgery compared to those on short-term dialysis, indicating that stable long-term dialysis patients can do well after the heart device is implanted. Who this helps: This benefits patients with chronic kidney disease who are stable on long-term dialysis and need heart support.

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The study looked at the impact of low sodium levels (hyponatremia) in patients receiving a heart pump (left ventricular assist device, or LVAD). Out of 332 patients, nearly half had low sodium levels before surgery, and while short-term survival rates after 30 days were similar between patients with low and normal sodium levels, the long-term survival was worse for those with low sodium – 61% of them died within five years compared to 44% of those with normal levels. This finding emphasizes the need to better understand and manage sodium levels before heart pump surgery to potentially improve long-term survival. Who this helps: This helps patients with heart failure who may need a heart pump and their healthcare providers.

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This research paper explores how mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices, both temporary and long-term, affect kidney health in patients with heart problems. The study found that kidney issues, like chronic kidney disease and acute injury, are common among patients using these devices, which can lead to worse health outcomes. Understanding the link between kidney function and MCS is crucial, especially as more people rely on these devices to manage heart failure. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with heart failure and doctors treating them.

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This study looked at how kidney function changes in people after they receive a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), which helps the heart pump blood. Researchers found five different patterns of kidney function over about a year: most people (over 80%) showed an early increase in kidney function followed by a decline, while others experienced worsening kidney function, sustained improvement, or fluctuations in function. These findings are important because they highlight different responses to LVADs, which could help doctors tailor treatments based on individual patient needs. Who this helps: This helps patients with heart failure and their doctors by providing insights into potential kidney function outcomes after LVAD implantation.

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This study looked at how well a special device that helps the heart pump, called a continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD), works in adults who have had surgery for certain heart problems called transpositions of the great vessels. The researchers followed three patients and found that it is possible to successfully implant this device in individuals who had previous heart surgeries related to their congenital heart disease. This is important because it offers a potential treatment option for adults with complex heart conditions who are facing severe heart failure. Who this helps: This helps patients with congenital heart disease who develop severe heart failure as adults.

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This study examined a patient who was supported by a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) for five years and then managed to recover heart function enough to remove the device. Typically, LVADs are only used for about 6 to 12 months before heart recovery is expected, so this case is unusual. Finding that some patients can recover after much longer support is important because it opens up new possibilities for treating heart failure and may lead to more successful device removals in the future. Who this helps: This benefits heart failure patients who are on long-term mechanical support.

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Researchers studied the impact of genetic testing in cardiology clinics by analyzing samples from 709 patients. They discovered that 32% of these patients had genetic findings that could affect their treatment plans, with 9% diagnosed with specific inherited conditions. This is important because it shows that genetic testing can lead to meaningful changes in how patients are managed, as 84% of doctors changed their medical approach based on these results. Who this helps: This benefits patients with cardiovascular disease and their healthcare providers.

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Researchers studied how the cause of heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy) affects outcomes for patients using a device that helps the heart pump blood. They looked at 526 patients and found that those with ischemic cardiomyopathy, which is caused by heart attacks, had more complications, like gastrointestinal bleeding (31.2% compared to 22.6% in the nonischemic group). Both groups had similar survival rates, showing that while the cause of heart disease didn't change overall survival, it did impact the types of complications experienced. Who this helps: This helps doctors caring for patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy.

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Researchers documented a 25-year-old man who wore an artificial heart pump for over 5 years—longer than any previously reported case—and then successfully had it removed when his own heart recovered enough to work on its own. Artificial heart pumps save lives in people with severe heart failure, but they carry serious risks like stroke and infection, so doctors ideally want to remove them once the heart heals. This case shows that even after many years of pump support, a patient's heart can still recover enough to function without it, and doctors should keep trying to wean patients off these devices rather than assuming they'll need them forever.

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This study looked at 25 patients who needed to have their heart-assisting devices replaced more than once due to issues like device failures or complications. They found that 68% of patients were able to leave the hospital after their repeated procedures, with a 1-year survival rate of 72% and a 2-year survival rate of 60%. This is important because it shows that replacing these devices is a viable option for patients with ongoing complications, which could improve their quality of life and chances of recovery. Who this helps: Patients with heart failure who rely on LVADs for support.

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This study looked at the rates and effects of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) in patients who received heart support devices called HeartMate II (HM-II) and HeartWare Ventricular Assist Device (HVAD). Out of 526 patients analyzed, 140 (about 27%) experienced GIB, with those using HVAD having a higher rate of bleeding than those with HM-II. Understanding these complications is important because the average time until bleeding happened was around 300 days, and while most patients survived the first 90 days, about 33% did not make it to the one-year mark. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors managing patients with heart failure using these devices.

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In this study, researchers looked at the effectiveness of different risk assessment scores in predicting survival rates for patients who received a heart assist device (CF-LVAD). They analyzed data from 605 patients and found that the average Post Cardiac Surgery (POCAS) score accurately predicted 30-day and 90-day survival with an accuracy rate of around 87% and 82%, respectively. For predicting one-year survival, the average Right Ventricular Failure Risk Score (RVFRS) was most effective, achieving an accuracy rate of about 79%. These findings are important as they can help doctors better assess which patients are at higher risk of complications after surgery and guide their future care plans. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers working with heart failure patients.

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This study looked at the effects of stopping the heart (cardiac arrest) during surgery to implant a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) in patients with severe heart failure. Researchers compared 50 patients who had surgery with cardiac arrest to 476 who did not and found that both groups had similar long-term survival rates and rates of complications like right heart failure and strokes. This is important because it shows that performing surgery with cardiac arrest does not harm patients’ outcomes, helping doctors make better decisions about surgical approaches. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients with advanced heart failure who may need this type of surgery.

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This study looked at 16 patients with severe heart failure who received a type of heart support device called a continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD) along with a procedure to close a specific heart opening. The results showed that these patients had survival rates similar to 510 other patients who received the CF-LVAD without the closure, with 30-day survival rates of 81.3% for the LVOT-closure group compared to 90.4% for the CF-LVAD-only group. Importantly, there were no deaths related to the closure procedure, suggesting that it is a safe option for certain patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients with severe aortic valve issues and heart failure who may need this type of support.

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This study looked at the deaths caused by brain problems in patients using a type of heart support device called a continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD). Out of 526 patients treated with this device, 141 (about 27%) experienced brain issues, and 48 of those (about 9%) died from them. The study found that being older and having certain health conditions raised the risk of death from these brain problems, which highlights the need for better prevention strategies for patients using CF-LVADs. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and patients using CF-LVADs.

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This study looked at infections related to heart pumps called LVADs, which help patients with severe heart failure. Researchers found that of 437 patients, 244 developed infections and 160 had severe infections that needed surgery. The HeartMate II devices had more severe infection events (0.63 per patient per year) compared to the HeartWare devices (0.42), but the presence of these infections did not affect how long patients lived. Who this helps: This benefits patients with advanced heart failure and their doctors by informing device selection to minimize infection risks.

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This study looked at patients with chronic heart failure who received a HeartMate II device to help their heart pump blood. It found that patients with a left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (a measurement of the heart's size) of less than 6.0 cm had a higher risk of death and were more likely to have a stroke after the surgery. Specifically, these patients had a 49% increased risk of dying compared to those with a larger heart size, which is important for guiding treatment decisions. Who this helps: This information helps patients with chronic heart failure and their doctors in assessing risks related to heart device implantation.

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This study looked at patients with severe heart failure who received a continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD) and whether having a valve repair or replacement at the same time affected their survival. Out of 526 patients, 91 had a valve procedure alongside the CF-LVAD implantation. The survival rates for those with just the CF-LVAD were similar to those who also had a valve repair, indicating that adding a valve procedure doesn't increase the risk of death in the short or mid-term. Who this helps: This information helps doctors decide on the best treatment approach for patients with heart failure and valve issues.

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This study looked at patients with severe heart failure who received a specific heart pump device called a continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD). It found that patients with smaller body sizes (less than 1.5 square meters) had lower survival rates after surgery compared to those with larger body sizes, with only 38.5% of small body size patients surviving two years post-surgery, versus 67.6% of those with larger body sizes. These results are important because they show that body size can significantly influence patient outcomes after this treatment. Who this helps: This helps doctors understand which patients are at higher risk after heart pump surgery.

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This study looked at how a device called the CardioMEMS System can help monitor pressure in the lungs of patients with a temporary total artificial heart, especially those who have high blood pressure in their lungs. Researchers found that the device gives accurate real-time pressure readings that match results from traditional methods, helping doctors assess whether these patients can safely undergo a heart transplant. This is important because it could enable more patients with severe lung pressure issues to be considered for transplantation. Who this helps: Patients with severe heart failure and pulmonary hypertension needing a heart transplant.

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This study focused on patients with severe heart failure who received a continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (a type of heart pump) and looked specifically at right-sided heart failure (RHF) that can occur after the surgery. Out of 526 patients studied, 148 (about 28%) experienced RHF, with 87 cases occurring early and 74 later on. Those with RHF had a higher risk of dying or suffering acute kidney injury compared to those without it, and the chances of successfully getting a heart transplant were lower for patients with severe RHF. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with chronic heart failure and their doctors.

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This study looked at how well patients with a small left ventricle (a heart chamber) do after receiving a specific type of heart pump (called a left ventricular assist device, or LVAD). Researchers tracked 511 patients who received either the HeartMate II or HVAD devices. They found that after two years, 56.1% of patients with a small left ventricle who received the HeartMate II were alive, compared to 66.8% of those with a normal size left ventricle. For the HVAD, both groups had similar survival rates around 71%. This difference suggests that the kind of device chosen might impact survival for patients with a smaller heart. Who this helps: Patients with heart failure and a small left ventricle.

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This study looked at how obesity affects the health outcomes of patients receiving continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (CF-LVADs), which help people with severe heart failure. The research included 526 patients and found that survival rates at 1, 6, 12, and 24 months were similar for normal-weight, overweight, and obese patients, with percentages ranging from about 61% to 91% over two years. This is important because it shows that obese patients can have similar benefits from CF-LVADs as those who are not obese, meaning that obesity should not prevent these patients from receiving this potentially life-saving treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients with obesity and severe heart failure.

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This study examined how using short-term mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices before implanting long-term heart pumps (known as LVADs) affects patient outcomes. The researchers analyzed data from 526 heart failure patients, noting that survival rates at various time points (30 days to 2 years) were slightly lower for those who used short-term MCS compared to those who did not, but the differences were not statistically significant. Overall, the use of short-term MCS did not lead to worse survival outcomes, except for patients using a specific type of device called VA-ECMO, which had the lowest survival rates. Who this helps: This benefits heart failure patients needing long-term support and their doctors.

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This study looked at how having atrial fibrillation (AF) before surgery affects patients with chronic heart failure who receive a special heart pump called a continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD). Researchers examined data from 526 patients and found that 229 had AF before their surgery. They discovered that those with preoperative AF had a similar risk of stroke and survival rates compared to those without AF, meaning AF did not lead to worse outcomes after the operation. Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic heart failure and doctors deciding on treatment options.

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This study looked at how the MELD-XI scoring system can predict outcomes for patients with severe heart failure who get a type of heart pump called a left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD). Researchers analyzed data from 524 patients and found that those with a MELD-XI score of 14 or higher had much lower survival rates and a higher risk of complications like infections and right heart failure compared to those with scores below 14. This is important because it helps doctors better assess which patients are at a higher risk after this surgery, allowing for more informed treatment decisions. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers assess risks for their patients undergoing heart pump surgery.

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This study looked at patients who received two types of heart devices (HeartMate II and HeartWare HVAD) to see how often they suffered from kidney problems after surgery. Out of 520 patients, 75 (or 14.4%) developed acute kidney injury (AKI), and those with AKI had a higher risk of dying—about 54% more likely—compared to those without it. This matters because it highlights the importance of monitoring kidney health in patients getting heart devices, as kidney issues can significantly impact their chances of survival. Who this helps: This information is beneficial for patients with advanced heart failure and their doctors.

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Researchers studied a new way to implant a HeartMate II device, which helps patients with severe heart failure, without having to open the chest in a traditional manner. They successfully performed this less invasive surgery on a 64-year-old man who had previous heart surgeries, allowing him to avoid additional risks and recover without complications. The patient lived more than 500 days after the procedure, showing that this approach could be safer for patients with complex medical histories. Who this helps: This benefits patients with severe heart failure who have had previous surgeries and face high risks with traditional operations.

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This study looked at how pre-surgery levels of a protein called serum albumin affected the health outcomes of patients receiving a specific heart device called a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). Out of 526 patients, those with low serum albumin (less than 3.5 g/dL) experienced more complications after surgery, such as infections and kidney problems, and had a significantly lower survival rate compared to those with normal levels. Specifically, survival rates were greatly decreased for patients with moderate and severe hypoalbuminemia, making the management of nutritional status an essential factor for better recovery after this procedure. Who this helps: This helps patients receiving LVADs and their doctors by emphasizing the importance of addressing nutritional health before surgery.

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This study looked at a patient with severe heart failure caused by a rare condition called eosinophilic myocarditis, which can lead to serious disruptions in heart function. The patient was successfully treated with a total artificial heart while waiting for a heart transplant. This is important because it shows that a total artificial heart can be a lifesaving option for patients with this specific type of heart failure. Who this helps: This helps patients with eosinophilic myocarditis and severe heart failure.

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This study looked at whether levels of a protein called prealbumin in the blood can help predict outcomes for patients undergoing heart surgery involving a device that assists the left ventricle. Researchers found that patients with low preoperative prealbumin levels (17 g/dL or less) had significantly lower survival rates at 1, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery compared to those with normal levels. Specifically, low prealbumin levels were linked to higher overall mortality and worsened heart failure shortly after surgery, highlighting the importance of assessing nutritional status before cardiac procedures. Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic heart failure and their doctors in making better-informed decisions before surgery.

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This study looked at two patients with severe heart problems who had a procedure to close a part of the heart while they received a heart assist device. Both patients did well, living for over six years without any issues related to the closure procedure. These findings are important because they show that this treatment strategy can be safe and effective for a long time in patients with severe aortic insufficiency. Who this helps: This helps patients with severe heart conditions and their doctors.

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This study looked at the use of special heart devices called continuous-flow ventricular assist devices (CF-VADs) in patients with severe heart failure. Researchers found that out of 469 patients with these devices, 14% needed to have their devices replaced due to problems like blood issues or infections. The good news is that the survival rates for patients who had their devices exchanged were similar to those who did not need an exchange, showing that replacing these devices when needed is safe and can help prolong patient support. Who this helps: Patients with end-stage heart failure who rely on these devices.

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This research paper discusses a patient with a heart condition called dextro-transposition of the great arteries who underwent a HeartMate II left ventricular assist device implantation after a previous heart procedure (the Fontan procedure) failed. The results showed that the patient had improved oxygen levels after the device was implanted, despite concerns that this might not happen. Ultimately, the patient left the hospital in stable condition, marking only the second reported case of this treatment approach. Who this helps: This benefits patients with complex heart conditions who may require innovative treatments after previous surgeries fail.

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This study looked at how the timing of using the Impella 2.5 heart pump affects survival in patients with severe heart issues after a heart attack. Researchers found that patients who received the pump before a procedure to open blocked blood vessels (65.1% discharged alive) had better survival rates compared to those who received it afterward (40.7% discharged alive). This matters because starting the heart pump sooner seems to lead to better outcomes for these critically ill patients. Who this helps: This helps patients experiencing severe heart problems after a heart attack.