Data on how the timing of a temporary right ventricular assist device (RVAD) insertion affects outcome are limited in patients receiving left ventricular assist device (LVAD). Of the 282 patients who underwent LVAD placement between January 2000 and November 2010, 40 (14%) required concomitant (n = 26) or delayed (n = 14) RVAD insertion as temporary support. We analyzed early and 1-year outcomes. Preoperative variables were similar in the concomitant and delayed RVAD groups. The hospital mortality rate was approximately 50% in both groups (p = 0.82). The 1-year actuarial survival was similar in both groups (p = 0.42). Patients who required RVAD support had higher in-hospital mortality and worse 1-year survival rates than those who received LVAD only (48% vs. 9.5%, p < 0.0001; 40% vs. 82%, p < 0.0001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated RVAD use as a significant risk factor for 1-year mortality (odds ratio, 18; p = 0.0003; 95% confidence interval, 3.765-86.74). Timing of temporary RVAD insertion did not affect overall survival. Necessity of RVAD support is associated with significantly worse early and late mortality at any rate. The decision to place the RVAD can be made once it is clinically necessary.