Continuous flow left ventricular assist device technology has influenced wait times and affected donor allocation in cardiac transplantation

The influence of continuous flow LVAD devices on heart transplant was examined using UNOS data, comparing outcomes of cfLVAD to pulsatile flow LVAD (pfLVAD) and no LVAD pts.   cfLVAD pts spent longer time on the waitlist and were status IA for longer than either of the other groups.  Waitlist survival was better for the cfLVAD pts.  Post-transplant survival was similar among the 3 groups.