Association between the low percentage of forced vital capacity and increased mortality after left ventricular assist device implantation

BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate the effect of low percentage of forced vital capacity measured in the preoperative period on the 28-day mortality in patients undergoing left ventricular assist device implantation. METHODS: A total of 131 patients (111 males, 20 females; median age 54 years; range, 47 to 59 years) who underwent left ventricular assist device implantation with HeartWare™ between December 2010 and January 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups according to the results of pulmonary function test as a forced vital capacity percentage of ≥60% (n=113) and <60% (n=18). Both groups were compared in terms of laboratory and clinical characteristics, and postoperative complications. Risk factors for postoperative 28-day mortality were analyzed. RESULTS: Pre- and intraoperative characteristics were similar in both groups, except for left ventricular end-diastolic diameter. The ventilator-free days up to 28 days was shorter (p=0.046) and the length of intensive care unit stay was longer (p=0.011) in the low percentage of forced vital capacity group. The 28-day mortality rate was also higher (22.2% vs. 9.7%, respectively; p=0.12) in this group. The history of prior cardiac operation (odds ratio: 4.40; 95% confidence interval 1.19-16.20, p=0.026) and tricuspid valve repair at the time of device implantation (odds ratio: 5.30; 95% confidence interval 1.33-21.00, p=0.018) were found to be independent risk factors for mortality. Multivariate analysis showed that a forced vital capacity of <60% was not associated with mortality (odds ratio: 3.96; 95% confidence interval 0.95-16.43, p=0.058). CONCLUSION: The length of intensive care unit stay and duration of mechanical ventilation may be longer in patients with a low percentage of forced vital capacity. Although the association between 28-day mortality and low percentage of forced vital capacity is not significant, the risk of 28-day mortality is higher in this group. Therefore, the patients should be assessed carefully before the left ventricular assist device operation.