Low-level hemolysis (LLH) after left ventricular assist device implantation contributes to thromboembolic events (TE). Free plasma hemoglobin (fHb) scavenges nitric oxide (NO), which causes endothelial dysfunction and activates platelets. fHb also interacts with von Willebrand factor (vWF). We hypothesized that improved hemodynamic and enhanced NO signaling in HeartMate II (HMII) patients with LLH taking the phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor sildenafil may reduce the risk of TE. From 2011 to 2015, 83 patients underwent HMII implantation. Patients with LLH as defined by elevated lactate dehydrogenase (400 < LDH ! 700 U/L) at hospital discharge were identified. Patients were categorized into 4 groups: 1) LLH + sildenafil, 2) LLH no sildenafil, 3) no LLH + sildenafil, and 4) no LLH no sildenafil. Adverse event-free survival was compared between the groups. Thirty-four patients (40.9%) were discharged with LLH and 22 (64.7%) of them took sildenafil. LDH and fHb remained significantly elevated in both LLH groups compared to the no LLH patients (P < 0.0001). Overall incidence of pump thrombosis (PT) was 4.8% and of ischemic stroke (IS) was 8.4%. HMII patients with LLH not on sildenafil had higher risk of TE (hazard ratio (HR): 14.4, 95%-CI: 1.8-117.1, P = 0.001). vWF activity and bleeding incidence did not differ between the LLH and no LLH patients. Mean pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance decreased significantly in HMII taking sildenafil (P < 0.0001) while cardiac index increased (P < 0.0001). Sildenafil treatment among HMII patients with LLH reduced the risk of thromboembolic events and significantly improved and decompressed the pulmonary circulation during HMII support.

LLH as assessed by elevated fHb and LDH values at discharge during HeartMate II support is associated with thromboembolic events.

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Background: Minimally invasive surgery for left ventricular assist device implantation may have advantages over conventional sternotomy (CS). Additionally, ultra-fast-track anesthesia has been linked to better outcomes after cardiac surgery. This study summarizes our early experience of combining minimally invasive surgery with ultra-fast-track anesthesia (MIFTA) in patients receiving HeartMate 3 devices and compares the outcomes between MIFTA and CS. Methods: From October 2015 to January 2019, 18 of 49 patients with Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support profiles >1 underwent MIFTA for HeartMate 3 implantation. For bias reduction, propensity scores were calculated and used as a covariate in a regression model to analyze outcomes. Weighted parametric survival analysis was performed. Results: In the MIFTA group, intensive care unit stays were shorter (mean difference, 8 days [95% CI, 4–13]; P <0.001), and the incidences of pneumonia and right heart failure were lower than those in the CS group (odds ratio, 1.36 [95% CI, 1.01–1.75]; P =0.016, respectively). At 6 and 12 hours postoperatively, MIFTA patients had a better hemodynamic performance with lower pulmonary wedge pressure (mean difference, 2.23 mm Hg [95% CI, 0.41–4.06]; P =0.028) and a higher right ventricular stroke work index (mean difference, −1.49 g·m/m 2 per beat [95% CI, −2.95 to −0.02]; P =0.031). CS patients had a worse right heart failure–free survival rate (hazard ratio, 2.35 [95% CI, 0.96–5.72]; P <0.01). Conclusions: Compared with CS, MIFTA is a beneficial approach for non–Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support 1 HeartMate 3 patients with lower adverse event incidences, better hemodynamic performance, and preserved right heart function. Future large multicentric investigations are required to verify MIFTA’s effects on outcomes.