LVAD and Transplant criteria-EF fraction?

Hey all,

I know there aren't specific LVEF benchmarks for LVAD and transplant list because each case is evaluated on a number of criteria, but I am curious if anyone on here has been put on the list or received an LVAD and what their LVEF was at the time?  If you want to include the other conditions that were included for the decision that would be helpful as well.  Anything specific to dialated cardiomyopathy, complete heart block, and severity of RV systolic function, arrhythmias, etc. would be very helpful.  Thanks ahead of time.


9 Comments

LVAD (left ventricle assist device), Heart Transplant criteria and LVEF (left ventricle ejection fraction)

by Gemita - 2021-02-22 08:49:49

Dear Asully,

Firstly I am so sorry you are having to think about this possibility and I really hope that your doctors find another way of helping you, since I believe there might still be a few things to try.

I cannot answer your questions, but I hope other members who may be facing similar difficulties will see your post and be able and willing to help you.  I believe there are one or two members here who are on the waiting list for a heart transplant, if I recall correctly.

For the benefit of other members and you too Asully if you haven't already seen, I attach a few links:-

The first on who can have a heart transplant in the UK

The second from John Hopkins Medicine on heart transplant criteria

The third a Pacemaker Club link on previous heart transplant posts

I wish I could do more to help you and others in your position, although I am on the register to donate my body on death to medical science.  My husband is too.  The links I mentioned above are as follows:-

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heart-transplant/who-can-have-it/

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/transplant/referring-physicians/heart-transplant-criteria.html

https://www.pacemakerclub.com/search

Thanks Gemita

by asully - 2021-02-22 17:08:48

I don't think we are quite there yet in my case, but I want to have all the information for when it does happen (which as we all know with CHF, you almost always inevitably end up having to make these decisions).  Thank you for the links,  I have been reading online for the US criteria and it's pretty vague as there are so many independent determining factors.  I just know at 28percent LVEF I already feel terrible, and wonder how much more terrible will I have to go through.  Still crossing my fingers for reverse remodeling....

Transplant criteris

by sandoval - 2021-02-23 07:47:57

I can only add that my EF is 15% and I 've never been offered an LVAD / Transplant. I think the waiting list for a transplant before covid was 3 years so it must be more than that now.

I have no idea what the waitlist is in US

by asully - 2021-02-23 20:43:54

I do know I am type O+ and I think this generally means a much longer wait.

Wish I could “bump” this post....

by asully - 2021-02-23 20:55:59

Still looking for others who have been listed, or had an LVAD, or are a doc/ex-doc (I know a few of you are lurking out there).....PM would be great too.

Asully, see link below

by Gemita - 2021-02-23 21:39:24

Asully, I will do a search later to see whether I can find the member I was referring to.  He actually mentioned a LVAD too as an option.  I will let you know when (if) I locate him and then you can PM him.  His post must have been in the last year.

https://www.pacemakerclub.com/message/37296/well-thats-me-done

However it appears member is also in UK.  Not sure how he is since he was very poorly when he posted.

Thanks Gemita

by asully - 2021-02-25 01:18:38

All the transplant posts I could find were from around 2013 and a lot of those members haven't posted since...

Did you check the new link Asully - post is from last year 2020 NOT 2013.

by Gemita - 2021-02-25 02:39:01

Not sure I understand your last response, did you actually check the NEW link I provided.  It is from last year August 2020 (Stan Da Mann) not from 2013.  That was the earlier link I provided.  The new link might be worth reading as it refers to LVAD too.

LVAD

by DMJ - 2021-06-13 04:21:12

I just saw my cardiologist at Duke on Thursday and asked him about LVAD.  He is the head of their transplant team.  He just said, "your not there yet".  I had a injection fraction of 20% 

6 months ago, started Jardaince and now it is 40%.  My doctor is Dr. Patel and he says a injection fraction is not that important.  It is your overall health, edema, fluid retention, extended veins etc.  He says he has many patients with injection fractions at 20% or lower.  It is eating right, exercise, medication and following doctors directions.  Once your so sick they give you a pacemaker, ICD and medication and you just go day to day.  A LVAD and transplant all come with great risk and is only the very last option.

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