Third‐generation continuous‐flow left ventricular assist devices: a comparative outcome analysis by device type

Abstract Aims Continuous‐flow left ventricular assist devices (CF‐LVADs) have become a standard of care in end‐stage heart failure. Limited data exist comparing outcomes of HeartMate3 (HM3) and HeartWare HVAD (HW). We aimed to compare midterm outcomes of these devices. Methods and results Investigator‐initiated retrospective‐observational comparative analysis of all patients who underwent primary LVAD implantation of either HM3 or HW at our centre between January 2010 and December 2020. Data were derived from a prospective registry. Primary endpoints were all‐cause mortality and heart transplantation. Secondary endpoints included device‐related major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events, which included major bleeding, major neurological dysfunction (defined as persisting neurological impairment for ≥24 h), device‐related major infection (excluding driveline infections), major device malfunctions leading to re‐intervention or partial device exchange (pump failure, outflow‐graft twist or failure, controller failure, battery failure, patient cable failure, but excluding pump thrombosis), and pump thrombosis. Further secondary endpoints included right heart failure, gastrointestinal bleeding, driveline infections, and surgical re‐interventions. The secondary outcomes were analysed not only for the first event but also for recurrent events. The analysis included competing risks analysis and recurrent event regression analysis, with adjustment for confounders age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) level. Out of 106 primary CF‐LVAD implantations, 36 (34%) received HM3 and 70 (66%) received HW. Median follow‐up was 1.48 years [interquartile range 0.67, 2.41]. HM3 was more often implanted in men (91.7% vs. 72.9%, P = 0.024); patients were older (median 61 years [54, 66.5] vs. 52.5 years [43, 60], P