LVAD implantation was associated with a significant reduction in sexual satisfaction scores compared to pre-surgery levels (3.7 vs 5.4, p<0.01), which correlated with lower quality of life.
Cross-Sectional (n=59)
Does LVAD implantation affect sexual satisfaction and quality of life in patients with advanced heart failure?
LVAD implantation is associated with reduced sexual satisfaction, primarily due to driveline and battery concerns, which negatively impacts quality of life.
Absolute Event Rate: 3.7% vs 5.4%
p-value: p=<0.01
Abstract Background Sexual health is a component of overall well-being. Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) has become an established therapy for patients with advanced heart failure. However, it remains unknown how the LVAD implantation influence their sexual satisfaction and their quality of life (QoL) in patients with LVAD. Purpose (1) To describe change in sexual satisfaction and sexual health following LVAD implantation, (2) To explore disturbance in sexual performance and identify the causes associated with these difficulties, and (3) To examine relationship of sexual satisfaction with QoL. Methods A cross-sexual study using a self-administrated questionnaire was conducted in Japan. Data from 59 LVAD patients were analysed (mean age 42 years, 80% male, NYHA I/II 88%). To assess sexual satisfaction, patients with LVAD were asked to rate their satisfaction with their sexual life before LVAD surgery and at present on a scale from 0 to 10, with 10 indicating the highest level of satisfaction. QoL was assessed using the EQ-5D-5L, and the index score was calculated. Results Sexual satisfaction was significantly reduced following LVAD implantation (5.4 ±3.0 to 3.7±2.9, p0.01 by paired-t-test). Approximately 40% of patients reported decreased sexual satisfaction after LVAD implantation, whereas just over half (54%) reported no change. Only 8.5% reported improved sexual satisfaction. Approximately 30% of patients reported decreased frequency, reduced ability, and diminished interest in sexual activity after LVAD implantation (Figure 1). Nearly 60% stated that their illness did not cause problems in their relationship with their partner, whereas 20% reported significant difficulties or even a breakup. In total, 57% (n=33) reported disturbances in sexual performance: 24% experienced minor, 19% reported frequent or significant, and 14% were unable to engage in sexual activity. Among those reporting disturbance in sexual activity, the most commonly reported causes were problems related to driveline and batteries (79%), fear of injury or worsening health (58%), and issues with self-image (33%) (Figure 2). Lower sexual satisfaction was associated with lower QoL scores assessed by the EQ-5D-5L score (r=0.43, p 0.001), whereas no significant associations were found between changes in sexual satisfaction and the QoL scores. Conclusion LVADs implantation was associated with reduced sexual satisfaction, negatively affecting QoL. One third of LVAD patients reported decreased sexual activity, and two thirds experienced disturbances in sexual performance, primarily due to concerns related to the LVAD driveline and batteries. Providing practical sexual guidance and psychological support is essential to improve both sexual satisfaction and overall QoL.Fig 1Changes in sexual health (n=59) Fig 2Causes of disturbances (n=33)
Kato et al. (Wed,) conducted a cross-sectional in Advanced heart failure with left ventricular assist device (n=59). LVAD implantation vs. Before LVAD surgery was evaluated on Sexual satisfaction on a scale from 0 to 10 (p=<0.01). LVAD implantation was associated with a significant reduction in sexual satisfaction scores compared to pre-surgery levels (3.7 vs 5.4, p<0.01), which correlated with lower quality of life.