Prognostic significance of functional capacity in patients with a left ventricular assist device

PhD defence by William von H H Nielsen

Assessment Committee

Professor Tine Willum Hansen, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen (Chairperson)
Associate professor Brian Bridal Løgstrup, Aarhus University
Professor Felix Schönrath, Deutsches Herzzentrum der Charité Berlin

Supervisors

Clinical Associate Professor Christian Joost Holdflod Møller
MD Kasper Rossing
Clinical Professor Finn Gustafsson

Department

Department of Clinical Medicine

Graduate Programme

Cardiovascular Research

Place

Building: 13, Room: Niels K. Jerne auditoriet, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 København N

Email address to gain access to the thesis: william.herrik.nielsen@regionh.dk.
You will either receive a copy of the thesis or be informed where you can read a physical copy.
Recipients of copies of the thesis are not allowed to share or distribute it due to copyright compliance.

Short description of the thesis

Living longer with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is only part of the challenge. Living well – and knowing who is doing well – is the next. This PhD thesis investigates exercise capacity in patients with an LVAD, both as a prognostic marker and as a potential treatment target. Across four studies, it examines whether exercise testing can identify patients at increased risk, whether changes in exercise capacity over time matter, and whether targeted intervention can reduce physical limitations. The findings may help guide long-term follow-up, inform decisions about prolonged LVAD support and the timing of transplantation, including the concept of “net prolongation of life,” and ultimately support strategies aimed at both better function and longer survival.