Abstract
A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy is the viable option for patients with advanced heart failure as a bridge to transplantation, bridge to recovery, or destination therapy. Although application of LVAD support has become a standard option, serious complications or adverse events related with LVAD remain a concern. LVAD-related infection including driveline infection (DLI) and bloodstream infection (BSI) is one of the serious clinical matters for LVAD patients, and especially BSI leads to the high incidence of mortality. The LVAD-related infections negatively impact patient’s quality of life. Therefore, control of infection is one of the primary goals of management in LVAD patients. Several efforts including early and appropriate intervention including antibiotics and wound care may contribute to avert the progress into BSI from localized DLI. Particularly, there are clinical secrets in how to use antibiotics and how to treat wound care in LVAD patients. The rational way of thinking for wound care will be introduced in this review.
Highlights
A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy is the viable option for patients with advanced heart failure as a bridge to transplantation, bridge to recovery, or destination therapy
LVAD-related infection including driveline infection (DLI) and bloodstream infection (BSI) is a serious clinical matter for LVAD patients, and especially BSI leads to the high incidence of mortality [3]
DLI are thought to be the high risk of BSI, which is related to high mortality in LVAD patients
Summary
A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy is the essential therapy option for patients with advanced heart failure and is associated with serious adverse events including stroke, bleeding, right ventricular dysfunction, device malfunction, and infection [1]. DLI are thought to be the high risk of BSI, which is related to high mortality in LVAD patients. More than 60% of the BSI and DLI in LVAD patients were due to infection of. Wound care and antibiotic treatment are needed in LVAD patients who have GPC-positive culture in driveline exit site. Our previous report presented the importance of early and appropriate intervention including antibiotics and wound care for device-related infections to reduce the incidence of potentially fatal BSI [6]. Our strategies were prevention of infection during the perioperative period, and subsequent strict wound site control including surveillance cultures, wound care, and proper use of antibiotics [6]. Prevention and control of LVAD-related infections are essential managements in LVAD patients
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
