Resternotomy does not adversely affect outcome after left ventricular assist device implantation

Background: Resternotomy in cardiac surgery is considered a risk factor for postoperative complications. Previous studies have demonstrated an ambiguous relationship between resternotomy and clinical outcomes. Registry data from a mixed population of durable circulatory support devices suggest that history of cardiac surgery is a risk factor for mortality. Our study investigates the prognostic significance of resternotomy in a homogenous cohort of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) recipients. Methods: The study included adult patients receiving a continuous-flow LVAD at our institution during the period 2010-2016. Postoperative adverse events and length of stay were analyzed. Survival was assessed at 6 months and by the end of the study. Multivariate risk factor analysis was conducted for independent predictors of death. Results: One hundred twelve patients, who received an intrapericardial LVAD (HVAD, HeartWare), were included in our analysis. Twenty-four patients (21.4%) had a history of previous sternotomy. These patients were older and non-eligible for bridging, and had more frequently coronary heart disease. Univariate analysis demonstrated no differences in the observed complications postoperatively. Survival was similar among groups. Destination therapy was the only predictor of mortality in our analysis (p = 0.02). Conclusions: Resternotomy was not associated with worse outcomes after LVAD implantation in our cohort.