Abstract
Abstract only Introduction: Patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) are at increased risk for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) complications. There is paucity of literature on factors influencing outcomes of LVAD patients with COVID-19 infection. Methods: A single center retrospective chart review of LVAD patients diagnosed with COVID-19 between March 2020 and March 2023, was performed to define the clinical characteristics and outcomes in this cohort. Demographics, clinical, laboratory, and imaging variables were analyzed. Results: Of 130 LVAD patients, 34 (26.2%) developed COVID-19. The cohort comprised of 27 males (79.4%) with a median age of 63.5 years and BMI of 27.6 (Table 1). Twenty-one had non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (61.8%) with either Heartmate 2 or Heartmate 3 LVADs (38.2% each). Most patients reported NYHA class III (44.1%). The common comorbidities included hypertension (94.1%), hyperlipidemia (79.4%), atrial fibrillation (67.4%), and chronic kidney disease (61.8%). Twenty-eight (82.4%) patients were hospitalized and 2 (7.1%) required mechanical ventilation (Table 2). The average initial and peak INR were 2.39 and 3.26, respectively. No complications of pump hemolysis or thrombosis, or systemic embolisms were noted. Two deaths were reported: one passed away while in the hospital from COVID-19, and another 16 months later due to sequelae of post-COVID pulmonary fibrosis. Conclusions: This is the largest single center study analyzing outcomes of COVID-19 in LVAD patients to date. Our cohort experienced a lower mortality rate from COVID-19 infection compared to prior studies. Larger studies are needed to guide management strategies and analyze long-term outcomes.