Sleeve gastrectomy facilitates weight loss and permits cardiac transplantation in patients with severe obesity and a left ventricular assist device (LVAD)

Introduction: Patients suffering from advanced heart failure may undergo left ventricular assist device (LVAD) placement as a bridge to cardiac transplantation. However, those with a BMI above 35 kg/m² are generally not considered eligible for transplant due to their elevated cardiac risk. We review our experience with bariatric surgery in this high-risk population to assess its safety and efficacy in reducing BMI to permit cardiac transplantation. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients on durable LVAD support who underwent sleeve gastrectomy (SG) at Mount Sinai Hospital between August 2018 and December 2022. Electronic medical records were reviewed to analyze patient demographics, surgical details, and outcomes regarding weight loss and heart transplantation. Results: We identified twelve LVAD patients who underwent SG. Three were performed laparoscopically and 9 via robotic approach. Four patients (33.3%) underwent an orthotopic heart transplant (OHTx). Half of these patients were female. For patients who underwent OHTx, mean age at LVAD placement was 41.0 (R30.6–52.2), at SG was 43.9 (R32.7–55.0) and at OHTx was 45.3 years (R33.3–56.8). Mean BMI increased from 38.8 at LVAD placement to 42.5 prior to SG. Mean time from SG to OHTx was 17.9 months (R6-7-27.5) during which BMI decreased to mean 32.8 at the time of OHTx. At most recent follow-up, mean BMI was 31.9. All patients were anticoagulated prior to surgery; one required return to the operating room on post-operative day 1 after SG for bleeding and one was re-admitted on post-operative day 7 for hematochezia treated conservatively. Conclusion: SG is a safe and effective operation in patients with severe obesity and heart failure requiring an LVAD. 66.7% of our cohort achieved target BMI < 35 and 33.3% underwent heart transplantation. Longer term follow-up is needed to clarify full bridge-to-transplant rate and long-term survival outcomes. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]