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Review
. 2023 Sep 1;32(5):439-444.
doi: 10.1097/MNH.0000000000000896. Epub 2023 May 2.

Kidney health and function with left ventricular assist devices

Leonardo Pozo Garcia  1 , Carl P Walther
Affiliations
Review

Kidney health and function with left ventricular assist devices

Leonardo Pozo Garcia et al. Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens. .

Abstract

Purpose of review: Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) is a group of evolving therapies used for indications ranging from temporary support during a cardiac procedure to permanent treatment of advanced heart failure. MCS is primarily used to support left ventricle function, in which case the devices are termed left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). Kidney dysfunction is common in patients requiring these devices, yet the impact of MCS itself on kidney health in many settings remains uncertain.

Recent findings: Kidney dysfunction can manifest in many different forms in patients requiring MCS. It can be because of preexisting systemic disorders, acute illness, procedural complications, device complications, and long-term LVAD support. After durable LVAD implantation, most persons have improvement in kidney function; however, individuals can have markedly different kidney outcomes, and novel phenotypes of kidney outcomes have been identified.

Summary: MCS is a rapidly evolving field. Kidney health and function before, during, and after MCS is relevant to outcomes from an epidemiologic perspective, yet the pathophysiology underlying this is uncertain. Improved understanding of the relationship between MCS use and kidney health is important to improving patient outcomes.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest related to this manuscript.

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