Single‐center experience of LVAD implantation in patients with sickle‐cell trait: A retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND: The most worrisome complications in patients supported by left ventricular assist device (LVAD) are pump thrombosis, embolism, and bleeding. The actual rate of these events in patients with sickle‐cell disease (SCD) has not well investigated. The aim of our study is to evaluate the outcomes of LVAD implantation in patients with sickle‐cell hemoglobinopathy at our institution. METHODS: This retrospective, observational, single‐center study was conducted on patients with sickle‐cell trait (SCT), who underwent LVAD implantation using the HeartMate3 LVAD. RESULTS: LVAD devices were implanted in four patients with SCT. All procedures were performed successfully. All patients had uneventful post‐implant course. Overall, the mean follow‐up time was 25 months (range 21–28 months) and showed an unremarkable post‐implant course. There was a significant improvement in hematological markers over the follow‐up period. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the limited numbers of patients enrolled in this study, our findings indicate that LVAD surgery is safe in SCD patients and offers remarkable clinical improvement. Further studies are needed to provide more evidence regarding this type of patients undergoing LVAD implantation.