108 A New M-Mode Parameter To Assess Ventricular Unloading in the LVAD Patient: Slope of the Anterior Mitral Leaflet (SLAM)

terquartile range $185,045-$288,411) (p 0.00001, p 0.0001, respectively). Conclusions: CF-LVAD implant prior to need for inotropes is associated with shorter length of stay and lower direct cost. Evolution of implant criteria and timing is likely to have has a major impact on determining cost effectiveness of CF-LVAD. The conduct of a clinical trial evaluating the LVAD therapy in an earlier stage heart failure patient population may have a significant and favorable impact on the cost of health care delivery.