Using existing technology better: Improving outcomes with the HeartWare left ventricular assist device

Background: The HeartWare left ventricular assist device has been in use for over 12 years. We sought to determine how outcomes at our centre have improved over time. Methods: Review of electronic hospital records at the Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. Results: A total of 255 first time adult implants were divided into 2 eras: Era 1: 2009-2015 (N = 154) and Era 2: 2016-2020 (N = 101). We prospectively aimed to avoid higher risk Intermacs Classifications in Era 2, which resulted in significant changes in Intermacs class to lower risk in Era 2 (P <0.001). There was a significant improvement in survival in Era 2, with 1 year survival increasing from 70 to 80% (P < 0.05). This was particularly associated with lower 30 day mortality in Era 2 (1.7 +/- 23 vs 15.5 +/- 7%, P< 0.005). This was associated with better right ventricular function in Era 2, and there was a trend to more temporary right ventricular assist devices used in Era 2 (28 +/- 13 vs 12 = 14%, P = 0.06). Deaths from intracranial haemorrhage, sepsis and right heart failure were unchanged between eras, though there was a trend towards less deaths in Era 2 from combined throm-boses deaths (stroke and device thrombosis; 3.3 +/- 5.4 vs 11.1 +/- 7.4%, P = 0.07). Conclusions: Better patient selection in association with more use of temporary right ventricular assist support has resulted in a significant improvement in survival. Intracranial haemorrhage, sepsis and right heart failure remain significant problems. (C) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.