Outcomes After SynCardia® Temporary Total Artificial Heart Implantation: A 20-year Single-center Experience in 196 patients

Overview

Journal Artif Organs

Date 2024 Sep 16

PMID 39283166

Authors

Artyom Razumov

Melchior Burri

Armin Zittermann

Darko Radakovic

Volker Lauenroth

Sebastian V Rojas

Henrik Fox

Rene Schramm

Jan Gummert

Marcus-Andre Deutsch

Michiel Morshuis

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: The SynCardia® temporary total artificial heart (TAH) serves as a mechanical circulatory support device for patients suffering from irreversible biventricular failure.

Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 196 consecutive patients who underwent TAH implantation at our center from 2001 to 2021. We assessed survival rates and all-cause mortality during TAH support, including survival post-heart transplantation.

Results: The median age of patients was 55 years, with 88% being male. The primary diagnoses included cardiomyopathy (43.9%), acute myocardial infarction (26.5%), and postcardiotomy heart failure (15.5%). At implantation, 87.2% of patients were classified as INTERMACS Profile 1. The median duration of support was 96 days (IQR: 23-227). Survival rates at 1, 6, and 12 months were 72%, 41%, and 34%, respectively. Postoperative rethoracotomy was necessary in 44.4% of patients; 39.3% experienced neurological events and 24.6% developed gastrointestinal bleeding. Overall, 64.8% of patients died while on support, primarily due to multiple organ failure (55.9%). Factors such as older age, higher bilirubin levels, postcardiotomy and specific underlying diagnoses were independent predictors of mortality during TAH support. On a positive note, 35.2% of patients underwent successful heart transplants, with 1-, 5-, and 10-year posttransplant survival rates of 65%, 58%, and 51%, respectively.

Conclusions: While high mortality rates persist among patients with biventricular failure, the SynCardia® TAH offers a viable interim solution for critically ill patients, particularly those who can be successfully bridged to heart transplantation.

Citing Articles

Outcomes after SynCardia® temporary total artificial heart implantation: A 20-year single-center experience in 196 patients.

Razumov A, Burri M, Zittermann A, Radakovic D, Lauenroth V, Rojas S Artif Organs. 2024; 49(2):266-275.

PMID: 39283166 PMC: 11752975. DOI: 10.1111/aor.14860.

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