Impact of Left Ventricular Assist Device on Pulmonary Functions and Pulmonary Hemodynamics: A Meta-analysis

Background Given current evidence, the effect of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation on pulmonary function tests (PFT) remains controversial. Methods Electronic databases were queried to identify relevant articles. The summary effect size was estimated as a difference of overall means and standard deviation (SD) on a random-effects model. Results A total of four studies comprising 219 patients were included. The overall mean forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and diffusion lung capacity of carbon monoxide (DLCO) after LVAD implantation were significantly lower by 0.23L (95% (confidence interval) CI 0.11-0.34, p=00002), 0.18L (95% CI 0.03-0.34, p=0.02), and 3.16 mmol/min (95% CI 2.17-4.14, p Conclusion LVAD implantation might be associated with a significant reduction of the spirometric measures, including FEV1, FVC, and DLCO, and an overall improvement of pulmonary hemodynamics.