Does Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation Affect Driving Patterns in Patients With End-Stage Heart Failure?

Background In 2012, the Canadian Society of Cardiology indicated that patients supported with left ventricular assist device (LVAD) may drive a private vehicle 2 months after implantation, provided they are deemed clinically stable. Objective evidence supporting this recommendation is limited. We sought to compare data regarding driving habits in our patients following LVAD implantation. Methods A standard questionnaire addressing driving patterns before and after LVAD implantation was sent to all living patients who had received an LVAD between January 2010 and January 2014. Ninety-four of 124 patients responded (average age 58 years, 69.2% men, 77.7% bridge to transplant). Results Prior to LVAD, all were living at home, 33% were employed, and 93% were driving. Sixty-nine percent indicated they drove after LVAD implantation; they were younger (56 vs 62 years, p=0.02) and had providers recommendation (p=0.004). Four of seven patients who had not driven before started driving (p Conclusions Most patients returned to driving after LVAD implantation. A minority had LVAD-associated alarms that were easily addressed. We suggest inclusion of driving habits in registries to provide clarity on the safety of driving while being supported with LVAD.