Optimal timing of left ventricular assist device implantation for severe heart failure patients: - Focus on end-organ function not hemodynamics

摘要

In this issue of the Journal, Yoshioka et al present their results of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation and a retrospective analysis for determining the pre-operative factors for 90-day mortality, comprising 3 independent analyses. Firstly, the authors divided all patients into 2 groups according to the Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) profile: level 1 (n=41) and level 2/3 (n=43). Naturally, preoperative laboratory variables reflecting infection and multi-organ function were worse in the level 1 group than in level 2/3. The postoperative comorbidities were also more frequent in the level 1 group. Secondly, they focused on the preoperative predictor for 90-day mortality.