Hemodynamic Optimization of Left Ventricular Assist Devices During Right Heart Catheterization Ramp Studies

Background: Studies have shown that hemodynamic LVAD ramp studies can be used to optimize speeds and improve clinical outcomes, yet these studies lack external validation. Methods: 470 LVAD patients, including 3 LVAD subtypes, were retrospectively analyzed and 53 ramp studies were identified. Measurements (RA, mean PA, PCWP, and CI) were taken at speeds +/- 20% of the manufacturer recommended set speed for HM2, HM3, and HVAD devices. Primary outcomes were all-cause and heart failure (HF) hospitalizations in the 6-month period pre- and post-ramp study. Secondary outcomes included final LVAD speed and hemodynamic measurements following ramp study. Time to first hospitalization and cumulative incidence rate of all-cause and HF hospitalization were reported. Results: Baseline characteristics of 53 studies included: mean age of 60.1 (+/- 10.9), 84.9% male, 56.6% ischemic etiology, 71.7% destination therapy, and average NYHA class and INTERMACS of 2.5 (+/- 0.7) and 5.9 (+/- 1), respectively. 38 of 53 studies (71.7%) showed PCWP decompression >20%, with average PCWP decompression of 51.2% (+/- 21.0%), and CI increase of 22.5% (+/- 18.7%). Optimal LVAD speeds were chosen to maintain CI > 2.2, PCWP < 15 and minimize RAP, in the absence of suction events. 31 (58.5%) of studies resulted in an LVAD speed change and 16 (30.2%) of studies resulted in diuretic change. All-cause and HF hospitalizations were significantly decreased in the 6-months following ramp studies compared the 6-months pre-ramp (total days hospitalized for all causes: 12.0 vs 26.6, p=0.0002; total days hospitalized for HF, 4.8 vs 22.1, p=0.00003). Speed changes were associated with a nonsignificant improvement in time to first hospitalization. Conclusion: This externally validates previous data suggesting that LVAD hemodynamic ramp studies decrease hospitalizations. Larger, prospective studies may elucidate specific hemodynamic targets to improve mortality and reduce rehospitalizations.