Eighth annual INTERMACS report: Special focus on framing the impact of adverse events

Background The Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) database now includes >20,000 patients from >180 hospitals. Methods The eighth annual report of INTERMACS updates the first decade of patient enrollment. Results In the current era, >95% of implants are continuous flow devices. Overall survival continues to remain >80% at 1 year and 70% at 2 years. Review of major adverse events shows minimal advantage for patients with ambulatory heart failure pre-implant. Stroke, major infection, and continued inotrope requirement during the first 3 months have a major effect on subsequent survival. Conclusions Greater application of durable devices to patients with ambulatory heart failure will mandate more effective neutralization or prevention of major adverse events.