Functional recovery and quality-of-life improvement 12 months after LVAD implantation: A single-center cohort.

BACKGROUND

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) improve survival in advanced heart failure, but the extent of functional and quality-of-life (QoL) recovery remains incompletely characterized.

METHODS

This single-center retrospective study evaluated 41 LVAD recipients at baseline and 12 months post-implant in a contemporary community-based program, with 95% of implants performed as destination therapy, using standardized instruments (KCCQ-12, EQ-5D-3L, EQ-VAS, 6MWD). Paired statistical testing assessed within-patient changes.

RESULTS

KCCQ-12 scores increased from 36.1 ± 11.0-46.1 ± 10.8 (p < 0.001); 6MWD improved from 242 ± 104 m to 320 ± 113 m (p = 0.0054); and EQ-VAS improved from 54.4 ± 23.0-72.6 ± 17.0 (p < 0.001). Domains reflecting enjoyment of life (p = 0.025), ability to perform household chores (p = 0.026), and jogging/hurrying limitation (p = 0.018) all improved significantly. Self-reported stress decreased (6.4 → 4.4; p = 0.002), and satisfaction with HF therapy increased (7.2 → 8.5; p = 0.033).

CONCLUSIONS

One year after LVAD implantation, patients demonstrated improvements in functional capacity and QoL, underscoring the importance of integrating psychosocial and rehabilitative strategies in LVAD care.