Sexual Quality Of Life In Left Ventricular Assist Device Patients And Their Partners

Introduction Little is known about the impact on sexual activity and sexual quality of life in patients with durable left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). Objective To describe the impact of LVADs on sexual quality of life, depression, and anxiety in patients with LVAD and their partners. Methods This is a single-center, prospective, observational analysis from December 2021 to March 2022. Consecutive patients ≥4 months post-LVAD implantation and their partners were consented and completed the Sexual Activities in Left Ventricular Assist Device Patients Or PaRtners (SALVADOR) questionnaire to assess sexual quality of life, the Patient Health Questionnaire 8 Item (PHQ-8) to assess symptoms of depression and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 Item (GAD-7) to assess symptoms of anxiety. Results 29 patients and 26 partners completed the questionnaires 3 ± 2 years post-implantation. 76% patients were male. The median [quartiles] age of patients was 57 [43, 62] years with 86% living with their partner and 10% being single. 10% of patients and 23% of partners had a current diagnosis of a psychological condition, most frequently depression and/or anxiety. Overall, 51% of participants indicated that the VAD influenced their sexual activity. Patients reported to be affected more than their partners (62% vs 39%, p=0.02, Figure 1A). Disturbances from the driveline was the most common complaint indicated. Additionally, 18% of participants scored in the mild to moderate depression range on the PHQ-8, and 24% scored in the mild to severe anxiety range on the GAD-7 (Figure 1B-C). 69% of participants indicated a preference to receive information regarding sexuality while on VAD support. Moreover, this preference did not differ between patients and partners (p=0.68). Most participants preferred written resources (Figure 1D). Conclusion LVADs severely affect the sexual quality of life for patients and their partners. The presence of a driveline is a major cause for concern. Patients prefer receiving information on how to improve their sexual quality of life.