Post-transplant outcomes in heart transplant patients after implantation of CentriMag™ ventricular assist device

Aim: The CentriMag™ short-term ventricular assist device (VAD) can be used as either as a bridge to transplantation (BTT) or candidacy (BTC) in critically ill patients with decompensated end-stage heart failure. In this study, we analyzed post-transplantation outcomes of patients that were bridged to heart transplantation (HTx) or candidacy with the CentriMag™ device and compared our results with the recent literature. Materials and methods: All patients supported with the CentriMag™ device as a BTT or BTC due to decompensated end-stage heart failure between 2004 and 2019 were analyzed. Primary endpoint were post transplantation 1-month and 1-year survival. Results: A total of 29 patients (37.2±13.8 years) underwent HTx after the implantation of the CentriMag™ device as a BTT (18 patients, 62%) or BTC (11 patients, 38%) over a 15-year study period. The device was used for the left ventricular in nine (31%), right ventricular in six (21%) and biventricular support in 14 patients (48%). Preoperatively, four patients (17%) were mechanically ventilated, four (14%) had uncertain neurological status, 9 (31%) had intra-aortic balloon pump, 26 (90%) had moderate/severe right ventricular failure, 14 (48%) had renal failure, five (17%) had multi-organ failure, and six (21%) had previous sternotomy at the time of the device implantation. One-month mortality after the implantation of the CentriMag was 7%. Mean duration of support was 38±44 days. We had no device failure. Post-transplant 1-month and 1-year survival were 90% and 83%, respectively. Conclusion: The CentriMag™ device can be effective in rescuing critically ill patients that are potential candidates for HTx and considered unsuitable for long-term VAD. It can be used as either BTT or BTC with satisfactory posttransplant outcomes.