Comparative analysis of perioperative renal function in patients undergoing heart transplantation and left ventricular assist device implantation: a multicenter retrospective study

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Key findings

• Compared to heart transplantation, left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation with this new device resulted in significantly improved renal function in patients with pre-existing renal dysfunction.

What is known and what is new?

• Previous studies have shown renal function in patients supported by LVAD remains stable or even improves. This study yielded evidence from direct comparisons of perioperative renal function changes between patients who underwent heart transplantation and patients who underwent LVAD implantation.

• This is the first study to demonstrate that the new LVAD device from China improves the renal function of end-stage heart failure (HF) patients.

What is the implication, and what should change now?

• Renal function is an important consideration if there are doubts on which surgery to choose for an end-stage HF patient. The results of this study suggested that LVAD implantation is a better choice for these patients with impaired renal function.

Publication: Wen M, Zhao S, Wang H, Lv Q, Liu T, Han J, Zhang H, Ge Z, Cui Y, Dong A, Guo F, Gong M. Comparative analysis of perioperative renal function in patients undergoing heart transplantation and left ventricular assist device implantation: a multicenter retrospective study. J Thorac Dis 2025;17(2):676-686. doi: 10.21037/jtd-24-1682