Abstract
PURPOSE: The HM3 has reduced hospital days and improved survival. Despite these advances, LVAD alarms triggering readmissions can reduce quality of life and adversely impact patient experience. The objective of this study is to evaluate alarms leading to readmissions in HM3 patients at our institution. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of HM3 patients implanted at a single center from October 1, 2015 to June 30, 2019. Characteristics of HM3 patients admitted with alarms were compared to HM3 patients not admitted (no alarms). The admissions were categorized based on the cause of the alarm. RESULTS: 119 patients underwent denovo HM3 implantation. 20 patients (17%) experienced 46 alarm admissions (eppy 0.004). 44 were related to low flows (LF), 2 were communication alarms, one of which required pump exchange. Patients with alarms were older and more likely to have a history of atrial fibrillation/flutter (Table 1). There were no significant differences between pre or post-implant LVEDD nor discharge pump speed (Table 1). Leading causes for LF alarms were hypertension (33%), dehydration (24%), and equipment related (15%). No LF alarms were related to pump thrombosis. Mean length of stay per admission was 7.2±7 days. Survival did not differ between no alarm and alarm groups (1-year survival, 85% vs 91%, log-rank p=0.64, Figure 1). CONCLUSION: HM3 alarm admissions resulted in more days spent in the hospital but did not affect overall survival. Hypertension and dehydration were the leading causes of LF alarms. Future research should aim to identify outpatient strategies to prevent these potentially avoidable admissions.