Clinical and economic impact of ventricular assist device infections: a real-world claims analysis

Background: VAD therapy has revolutionized the treatment of end-stage heart failure, but infections remain an important complication. The objective of this study was to characterize the clinical and economic impacts of VAD-specific infections.Methods: A retrospective analysis of a United States claims database identified members >= 18 years with a claim for a VAD implant procedure, at least 6 months of pre-implant baseline data, and 12 months of follow-up between 1 June 2016 and 31 December 2019. Cumulative incidence of infection was calculated. Infection and non-infection cohorts were compared regarding mortality, healthcare utilization, and total cost. Regression models were used to identify risk factors associated with infections and mortality.Results: A total of 2,259 patients with a VAD implant were included, with 369 experiencing infection (12-month cumulative incidence 16.1%). Patients with infection were 2.1 times more likely to die (p < 0.001, 95% CI [1.5-2.9]). The mean 12-month total cost per US patient was $354,339 for the non-infection cohort and $397,546 for the infection cohort, a difference of $43,207 (p < 0.0001).Conclusions: VAD infections were associated with higher mortality, more healthcare utilization, and higher total cost. Strategies to minimize VAD-specific infections could lead to improved clinical and economic outcomes.