Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Predicting Left Ventricular Assist Device Outcomes Utilizing The Stanford Integrated Psychosocial Assessment For Transplant Measure, Nicholas Chesher, Kristina L. Greenwood, Candace Fanale, Cody Gustaveson, Brian Jaski, Hirsch S. Mehta, Peter Hoagland, Kristine Ortiz, Marc Verlasky, Robert Adamson, Walter Dembitsky

The VAD Journal

Objective: Durable mechanical circulatory support is a proven therapy to extend survival for patients with end-stage heart failure (HF). The International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation guidelines recommend a detailed psychosocial assessment when selecting candidates for durable mechanical circulatory support. Currently, there are no formally validated psychosocial evaluation tools for left ventricular assist device (LVAD) candidacy. The Stanford Integrated Psychosocial Assessment for Transplantation (SIPAT) uses a multidisciplinary algorithm to evaluate the impact of pre-transplant risk factors on post-transplant outcomes. Emerging literature suggests that the SIPAT might be useful for assessing psychosocial risk factors for LVAD outcomes.

Methods: A total …

Successful Percutaneous Management Of Lvad Outflow Graft Stenosis: Role Of Invasive Hemodynamics In Decision Making, Tarun Dalia, Amandeep Goyal, Harsh Mehta, Henedine C. Foster, Eric Hockstad, Aaron Rohr, Philip Johnson, Travis Abicht, Bhanu Gupta

The VAD Journal

Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) outflow graft stenosis (OGS) is a rare but lethal complication. We present a case of a 79-year-old male with pertinent past medical history of an LVAD implanted as destination therapy, stage III chronic kidney disease, and hypertension. He was admitted for low-flow alarms, and the echocardiogram showed stable right ventricle function and no pericardial effusion. Invasive hemodynamic assessments demonstrated a peak-to-peak gradient of 90 mm Hg in the outflow graft between the mid and distal ends of the graft on pullback. Contrast angiography confirmed OGS. The OGS was successfully treated with a VBX-covered stent (Gore). …

Should Covid Vaccination Be Required In Heart Transplantation & Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation?, Mustafa M. Ahmed, Manjula G. Ananthram, Susan M. Joseph

The VAD Journal

This letter to the editor does not have an abstract.

Outcomes Of External Repair Of Heartmate Ii™ Lvad Percutaneous Leads, Jay D. Pal, Claudius Mahr, Jason W. Smith, Todd F. Dardas, Jay Pinette, David J. Farrar, Nahush A. Mokadam

The VAD Journal

Background: The HeartMate II Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) receives power via a percutaneous lead connected to an external controller and batteries. At times, this lead can be damaged during normal wear, as well as by traumatic fracture, which may jeopardize the functionality of the LVAD. If there is significant internal damage, surgical replacement of the LVAD is required. However it is possible to repair externally damaged leads by replacing the distal portion of the lead to avoid pump replacement. We report the overall experience and outcomes in patients with external lead repairs.

Methods: A procedure for full …