Outcomes of Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation of Patients With Left Ventricular Assist Devices and Subsequent Stroke

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to examine the functional outcomes and medical complications of patients with left ventricular assist device implantation and subsequent stroke during comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study of 21 patients admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation facility between 2009 and 2015. Main outcome measurements include admission and discharge Functional Independence Measure, length of stay, and Functional Independence Measure efficiency. RESULTS: The study included 17 male and 4 female patients aged 32-75 yrs. Eleven patients (52%) required transfer to an acute care hospital for evaluation. Fifteen patients completed inpatient rehabilitation with median [interquartile range] length of stay 26 [13.5-34] days (range = 7-59 days), median [interquartile range] Functional Independence Measure gain of 18 [12.5-32], and median [interquartile range] Functional Independence Measure efficiency of 1.0 [0.6-1.44]. Patients who required transfer to acute care during their course but ultimately completed inpatient rehabilitation (n = 5) demonstrated larger median [interquartile range] Functional Independence Measure gain (40 [23-42]) and longer median [interquartile range] length of stay (35 [35-42]) compared with patients who completed inpatient rehabilitation without transfer (Functional Independence Measure gain = 15 [9.25-26.5]; length of stay = 14.5 [11.5-26.25]). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with left ventricular assist device implantation and subsequent stroke demonstrate functional gains during acute inpatient rehabilitation programs. A large percent of patients required transfer to acute care.