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Background The novel method of comprehensive rehabilitation after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation was developed in our institution. Cardiopulmonary exercise test was used to program the training and to assess the results of rehabilitation. Study group 47 consecutive LVAD (32 Heart Mate III, 15 HeartWare) recipients (19–68 years, mean 58.7 years, 43 men) participated in the rehabilitation program. Proposed 4–5 week program included supervised endurance training on cycloergometer (5 times per week), resistance training, general fitness exercises with elements of equivalent and coordination exercises (every day). It was followed by individual exercises performed at home. 6-minute walk test (6MWT), cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) and prognostic biomarkers of heart failure: NT-proBNP, Galectin-3 and ST2 were investigated at the beginning and at the end of rehabilitation program. Results See Table 1. Increase of 6MWT distance, higher maximal workload, peak VO2 and upward shift of anaerobic threshold (AT) in CPET were observed in all patients. Significant reductions of NTproBNP, ST2 and galectin-3 levels were observed. There were no major adverse events during rehabilitation. Conclusions Comprehensive novel rehabilitation in LVAD recipients is safe and results in significant improvement of functional tests and biomarkers of heart failure. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): National Centre for Research and Development

Background There is increasing recognition of the importance of rehabilitating patients after LVAD implantation. The novel method of comprehensive rehabilitation starting directly after LVAD implantation was designed for our LVAD patients population. Aim of the study The study aimed to determine, if novel rehabilitation program improves functional and biochemical parameters in patients after recent LVAD implantation. Study group 37 recent LVAD (22 Heart Mate III, 15 HeartWare) recipients (19–67, mean 58.7 years, 35 men) participated in specially designed rehabilitation program. The program included 4–5 weeks of sationary rehabilitation: supervised endurance training on cycloergometer (5 times per week), resistance training, general fitness exercises with elements of equivalent and coordination exercises (every day). It was followed by individual exercises performed at home. At the beginning and at the end of rehabilitation program the patients performed 6 minute walking test (6MWT), cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). Following prognostic biomarkers of heart failure: NT-proBNP, galectin-3 and ST2 were also measured. Results See table 1. Increase of 6MWT distance, higher maximal workload, peak VO2 and upward shift of anaerobic threshold in CPET were observed in all patients. Significant reductions of NTproBNP, ST2 and galectin-3 levels were observed. There were no major adverse events during rehabilitation. Conclusions Comprehensive novel rehabilitation in LVAD recipients is safe and results in significant improvement of functional tests and biomarkers of heart failure. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): National Center for Research and Development: National grant - STRATEGMED II,