Assessment of right ventricular dysfunction predictors before the implantation of a left ventricular assist device in end-stage heart failure patients using echocardiographic measures (ARVADE): Combination of left and right ventricular echocardiographic variables.

BACKGROUND: Right ventricular failure (RVF) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in left ventricular assist device (LVAD) recipients.

OBJECTIVES: To identify preoperative echocardiographic predictors of post-LVAD RVF.

METHODS: Data were collected for 42 patients undergoing LVAD implantation in Germany. RVF was defined as the need for placement of a temporary right ventricular assist device or the use of inotropic agents for 14 days. Data for RVF patients were compared with those for patients without RVF. A score (ARVADE) was established with independent predictors of RVF by rounding the exponentiated regression model coefficients to the nearest 0.5.

RESULTS: RVF occurred in 24 of 42 LVAD patients. Univariate analysis identified the following measurements as RVF risk factors: basal right ventricular end-diastolic diameter (RVEDD), minimal inferior vena cava diameter, pulsed Doppler transmitral E wave (Em), Em/tissue Doppler lateral systolic velocity (SLAT) ratio and Em/tissue Doppler septal systolic velocity (SSEPT) ratio. Em/SLAT≥18.5 (relative risk [RR] 2.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.38-5.60; P=0.001), RVEDD≥50 mm (RR 1.97, 95% CI 1.21-3.20; P=0.008) and INTERMACS (Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support) level 1 (RR 1.74, 95% CI 1.04-2.91; P=0.04) were independent predictors of RVF. An ARVADE score>3 predicted the occurrence of post-implantation RVF with a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 74%.

CONCLUSION: The ARVADE score, combining one clinical variable and three echocardiographic measurements, is potentially useful for selecting patients for the implantation of an assist device.