Density of Atrial Fibrillation Matters in Patients with LVADs

Persistent AF, but not paroxysmal AF, is associated with increased mortality and heart failure in patients who receive the HeartMate II left ventricular assist device.

In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), adverse outcomes are thought to be associated with an elevated risk for stroke and worsened cardiac output from decreased diastolic ventricular filling. However, in patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), AF may not contribute to these outcomes, because all patients receive anticoagulation therapy, and the atrial contribution to cardiac output is likely minimal.

Now, investigators at a single center have retrospectively studied outcomes of 106 patients (mean age, 57) who underwent implantation of the HeartMate II LVAD, 88% of whom received the device as a bridge to transplant (median duration of support, 217 days). Patients were stratified by paroxysmal AF, persistent AF, or no AF.

A t…

Reviewing Author

Mark S. Link, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsCirculation; UpToDate

Mark S. Link, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsCirculation; UpToDate

Density of Atrial Fibrillation Matters in Patients with LVADs

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Reviewing Author