Prolonged mechanical ventilation after left ventricular assist device implantation: risk factors and clinical implications.

aimsUnsuccessful weaning from ventilator after major cardiovascular procedures has been shown to be associated with increased post-operative morbidity and mortality. Our study aimed to identify predictors and clinical implications of prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. METHODS AND

resultsWe analysed the data of patients receiving a continuous-flow LVAD in our centre from December 2010 to September 2017. PMV was defined by a duration of invasive ventilation of >7 days after LVAD implantation. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed for predictors of PMV. Survival was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. During the study period, 156 patients received a continuous-flow LVAD in our centre. Seventeen patients were excluded due to early death (<7 days), and 139 patients were enrolled in the study (mean age: 58 years; male: 84%). The median duration of mechanical ventilation post-operatively was 94 h (range: 5 to 4192 h). PMV was observed in 43% of patients. Patients on PMV were characterized by a more severe disease state at baseline, compared with the group of early extubation, as reflected by their Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support level (Level 1-3: 72 vs. 49%, P = 0.008). Patients on PMV exhibited higher pulmonary wedge pressures (25 vs. 21 mmHg, P = 0.04), lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (53 vs. 60 mL/min/1.73 m

conclusionsProlonged mechanical ventilation affects nearly half of patients after LVAD implantation. Previous sternotomy, renal function, and platelet counts are associated with increased risk for PMV. PMV is accompanied by decreased survival at 180-day post-implantation and longer hospitalizations.