Recommended Citation
Fletcher N, Leitner M, Davis E, Coyle L, Graney N, Sciamanna C, Cotts W, Pappas P, Tatooles A, Narang N, Chau V. Longitudinal HeartMate 3 flow and speed trends in patients needing temporary right ventricular assist device support. Poster presentation at: International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation 46th Annual Meeting and Scientific Sessions; April 22, 2026; Toronto, Canada.
Presentation Notes
Poster presentation at: International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation 46th Annual Meeting and Scientific Sessions; April 22, 2026; Toronto, Canada.
Abstract
Background: Severe right ventricular dysfunction requiring temporary right ventricular assist device support after HeartMate 3 implantation may prevent maintenance of long-term calculated HeartMate 3 flow. We characterized longitudinal HeartMate 3 speed, calculated flow, and calculated flow index during the first year after implantation and described associated clinical outcomes. Methods: This was a single-center retrospective study of adult HeartMate 3 recipients from 2020–2022 who required temporary right ventricular assist device support during the index hospitalization. HeartMate 3 parameters were assessed the day after temporary right ventricular assist device placement, the day after decannulation, at hospital discharge, and at clinic visits closest to 6 months and 1 year. Variables included speed, power, calculated flow, and calculated flow index. Adequate support was defined as a flow index of at least 2.0 L/min/m². Secondary outcomes included low-flow alarm admissions, heart-failure hospitalizations, and 1-year mortality. Results: Thirty-two HeartMate 3 recipients required temporary right ventricular assist device support. HeartMate 3 speed remained generally stable from the day after temporary right ventricular assist device placement through decannulation and at 1 year. Calculated flow was preserved through decannulation but decreased at 6 months and 1 year. Calculated flow index followed a similar pattern. At 1 year, 70% of surviving patients maintained a flow index of at least 2.0 L/min/m². Twenty-nine patients (91%) were discharged alive, and 1-year mortality was 19%. Fifty-two percent had at least one low-flow alarm admission, and 61% had at least one HeartMate 3 speed adjustment. Conclusion: Early support targets were maintained through temporary right ventricular assist device decannulation. Although group-level HeartMate 3 speed remained stable, calculated flow and flow index declined during later follow-up. Continued surveillance beyond the early postoperative period is warranted, and late flow decline should prompt reassessment of right ventricular function, afterload, hematocrit, and device-related factors.ish
Type
Poster
Affiliations
Advocate Christ Medical Center