Which of the following is NOT listed as a contraindication for LVAD?

• A. Active infection
• B. Morbid obesity
• C. Active neoplasm
• D. Chronic kidney disease

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is that LVAD candidacy is restricted by conditions that would make implantation unsafe or unlikely to help. Active infection is a clear barrier because putting a major device into an infected field risks seeding the device and causing disseminated infection. Active cancer is another barrier since it limits life expectancy and raises perioperative risk, reducing the chance of meaningful benefit. Morbid obesity poses technical and wound-healing challenges that can worsen outcomes, so it’s commonly viewed as a contraindication or at least a strong relative one.

Chronic kidney disease by itself is not an automatic absolute contraindication. Many patients with CKD — especially those not dialysis-dependent or those evaluated in the context of expected renal recovery with better perfusion — can be considered for LVAD, and some may proceed with a plan toward transplantation. End-stage renal disease requiring dialysis tends to be a much stronger concern, but CKD without dialysis is not universally listed as an absolute contraindication. That’s why chronic kidney disease is the option that is not listed as an automatic contraindication in many guidelines.