Abstract

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) placement frequently leads to a reduction in the severity of functional mitral regurgitation (MR). However, a significant number of LVAD supported patients have residual MR. We sought to assess the impact of residual MR in LVAD patient outcomes. METHODS: Patients in the INTERMACS registry who received a continuous flow LVAD between 2006 and 2017 without a prior mitral valve repair were included for analysis. Residual MR was defined as moderate or severe MR within the first 3 months device support. Baseline characteristics, echocardiographic and hemodynamic variables, and clinical outcomes were comparatively analyzed between those with or without residual MR. RESULTS: A total of 8,364 patients were included in the study, of which 18.8% demonstrated residual MR. Younger age, female gender, and non-ischemic heart failure were predictors of residual MR, as were increased LVEDD, RV dysfunction, severe baseline MR or TR, and elevated right heart pressures. Concomitant mitral valve repair reduced the risk of residual MR. Those with residual MR demonstrated worse LV remodeling, more right ventricular dysfunction, and higher right heart pressures at almost all time points analyzed. Residual MR was associated with increased risk of right heart failure and renal failure, and a trend toward increased mortality on LVAD support. CONCLUSIONS: Residual MR is associated with worse clinical outcomes on LVAD support. Strategies to minimize MR including medical and device optimization as well as valve repair should be considered in LVAD patients with residual MR.