Single Ventricular Assist Device Care and Outcomes for Failed Stage I Palliation: A Single-Center Decade of Experience

Abstract

Single ventricular assist device (SVAD) use before and after stage I palliation (S1P) is increasing with limited data on outcomes. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a single-center retrospective review to assess pre- and post-SVAD clinical status, complications, and outcomes. We leveraged a granular, longitudinal, local database that captures end-organ support, procedural interventions, hematologic events, laboratory data, and antithrombotic strategy. We identified 25 patients between 2013 and 2023 implanted at median age of 53 days (interquartile range [IQR] = 16–130); 80% had systemic right ventricles and underwent S1P. Median SVAD days were 54 (IQR = 29–86), and 40% were implanted directly from ECMO. Compared to preimplant, there was a significant reduction in inotrope use (p = 0.013) and improved weight gain (p = 0.008) post-SVAD. Complications were frequent including bleeding (80%), stroke (40%), acute kidney injury (AKI) (40%), infection (36%), and unanticipated catheterization (56%). Patients with in-hospital mortality had significantly more bleeding complications (p = 0.02) and were more likely to have had Blalock–Thomas–Taussig shunts pre-SVAD (p = 0.028). Survival to 1 year postexplant was 40% and included three recovered and explanted patients. At 1 year posttransplant, all survivors have technology dependence or neurologic injury. This study highlights the clinical outcomes and ongoing support required for successful SVAD use in failed single-ventricle physiology before or after S1P.