Of course current LVADs are better than being dead, but still significantly worse than having a healthy heart, or transplant.
Heartmate III is one of the best and here are some summary outcomes[1]:
2 year survival after LVAD implant is around ~75%
2 year chance of stroke is ~10%
2 year chance of major infection is 58%, and sepsis is 15%
2 year chance of right heart failure is 34%.
Quality of life post implant and depression are real concerns. Some smaller studies have shown 5 year suicide rates as high as 10% following LVAD implantation.
Don't get me wrong, they are a miracle of modern science and engineering, but have limitations. There are reasons why they are not a destination therapy for people eligible to receive transplants.
Indeed, well said. It's important to also note that 2 year survival rates after a heart transplant are similar, 75%-80% survival 2 years after a heart transplant.
Heartmate III is one of the best and here are some summary outcomes[1]:
2 year survival after LVAD implant is around ~75%
2 year chance of stroke is ~10%
2 year chance of major infection is 58%, and sepsis is 15%
2 year chance of right heart failure is 34%.
Quality of life post implant and depression are real concerns. Some smaller studies have shown 5 year suicide rates as high as 10% following LVAD implantation.
Don't get me wrong, they are a miracle of modern science and engineering, but have limitations. There are reasons why they are not a destination therapy for people eligible to receive transplants.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/ejhf.2211