Late outcomes of subcostal exchange of the HeartMate II left ventricular assist device: a word of caution

OBJECTIVES: Previous studies have shown the usefulness of the subcostal exchange of the HeartMate II left ventricular assist device for device malfunction. However, long-term data are still limited. METHODS: Between March 2004 and July 2017, 41 of 568 (7.2%) patients who had received a HeartMate II implant at our institution had a device exchange via a subcostal incision. We summarized early and late outcomes. RESULTS: Forty-one patients had a total of 48 subcostal pump exchanges. Indications for device exchange included device thrombosis (n = 31, 76%), driveline infection (n=2, 5%) and driveline injury (n = 8, 19%). All of the procedures were successful, and there were no in-hospital deaths. A Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed 30-day and 1-year survival rates after subcostal exchange of 100% and 94.6%, respectively. However, 10 (25%) patients had left ventricular assist device-related infections following subcostal exchange that included 7 pump pocket infections and 3 driveline infections. Freedom from left ventricular assist device-related infection at 1 year after subcostal exchange was 79.3%. Thirteen (32%) patients had device malfunction due to pump thrombosis that required a 2nd device exchange. Seven patients had recurrent thrombosis. Three (7%) patients had a stroke. Freedom from device thrombosis and from a stroke event at 1 year was 74.4%. CONCLUSIONS: Subcostal pump exchange can be safely performed. However, there is a substantial risk of infection and recurrent thrombosis. Careful follow-up for late complications is mandatory.