Unplanned hospital readmissions after HeartMate II implantation: frequency, risk factors, and impact on resource use and survival

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify potential areas for quality improvement and cost containment. We investigated readmissions after HeartMate II left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation by characterizing their type, temporal frequency, causative factors, and resource use and survival after readmission.

Background: The HeartMate II LVAD provides enhanced survival and quality of life to end-stage heart failure patients. Whether these improved outcomes are accompanied by a similar reduction in unplanned hospital readmissions is largely unknown.

Methods: From October 2004 to January 2010, 118 patients received a HeartMate II, of whom 92 were discharged on device support. Subsequent readmissions were analyzed using prospectively maintained clinical and financial databases.

Results: Forty-eight patients (52%) had 177 unplanned hospital readmissions, 87 non-LVAD- and 90 LVAD-associated. Reasons for non-LVAD-associated readmissions included medical management of comorbidities and progression of cardiac pathology (n = 48), neuropsychiatric/psychosocial issues (n = 22), and infections (n = 17). Those for LVAD-associated readmissions included device component infection (n = 51), management of nontherapeutic anticoagulation or device malfunction (n = 22), and bleeding (n = 15). Cumulative incidence of unplanned readmissions was higher (p < 0.0001) for destination therapy than bridge-to-transplant patients (9/patient vs. 4/patient at 24 months). Cumulative hospital days overall were 25 and 42 at 12 and 18 months, respectively, and the costs were 18% and 29% of initial implantation costs. Increased number of unplanned readmissions was predictive of mortality.

Conclusions: Unplanned readmissions are common during HeartMate II support and negatively affect resource use and survival. Refining patient selection, especially in destination therapy patients, reducing infectious and bleeding complications, and increasing awareness about these devices might reduce unnecessary readmissions.