The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation
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J. Heart Lung Transplant. · Feb 2012
Multicenter Study Clinical TrialExtremes of body mass index do not impact mid-term survival after continuous-flow left ventricular assist device implantation.
Extremes of body mass index (BMI) are often considered contraindications to use of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), but data regarding outcomes across the spectrum of BMI are limited. We sought to assess the association of BMI with survival and major morbidity after continuous-flow (CF) LVAD implantation. ⋯ Overall survival in patients receiving CF LVAD is similar across BMI categories. Carefully selected patients at both extremes of BMI have good mid-term survival after LVAD and should be considered for LVAD implantation relative to overall risk profile.