Outcomes Associated With Left Ventricular Assist Devices Among Recipients With and Without End-Stage Renal Disease

Bansal and colleagues describe survival after left ventricular assist device placement for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), based on Medicare claims associated with data in the United States Renal Data System registry. Prognosis for these patients was very poor compared to patients without ESRD, particularly in the short-term. The authors suggest this information could be helpful in informing shared decisions regarding treatment for advanced heart failure in patients with ESRD.
An invited commentary article from Thomas and colleagues accompanies the article.