Epidemiology of Left Ventricular Assist Device Infections: Findings From a Large Nonregistry Cohort.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Infection is a major complication during circulatory support with a left ventricular assist device (VAD). Changes in device characteristics and treatment practices in the last decade can affect the epidemiology of infection. The International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) has published recommendations on the prevention and management of VAD infections, but data to support these recommendations remain sparse.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of 455 patients who underwent VAD placement from 2009 to 2015. Infection episodes were defined using ISHLT criteria and were also grouped as endovascular or local. Analysis included descriptive statistics.

Results

There were 174 patients (38.6%) with a VAD infection. Infection incidence wa

SUBMITTER: Blanco-Guzman MO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7982342 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature