Predicting Outcomes Following Short-Term Ventricular Assist Device Implant with the MELD-XI Score

Short-term continuous flow (STCF) ventricular assist devices (VADs) are utilized in adults with cardiogenic shock, however, mortality remains high. Previous studies have found that high pre-operative MELD-XI scores in durable VAD patients is associated with mortality. The use of the MELD-XI score to predict outcomes in STCF-VAD patients has not been explored. We sought to determine the relationship between MELD-XI and outcomes in adults with STCF-VADs. This was a retrospective review of adults implanted with STCF-VADs between 2009-19. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to predict outcomes and Kaplan-Meier analysis was done to assess survival. Seventy-nine patients were included with a median MELD-XI score of 21.2 (IQR 13.5, 27.0). Patients with an unsuccessful wean from support (p