Driveline exit-site care protocols in patients with left ventricular assist devices: a systematic review.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Driveline infections continue to be a significant complication following left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. Driveline exit-site care is crucial for the prevention of infections; however, there are no uniform guidelines. The goal of this study was to provide an overview of the currently published driveline exit-site care protocols in patients with LVAD.

Methods

A systematic literature review was performed. Studies before 15 December 2020 were included if the number of driveline infections was a primary outcome and the driveline exit-site care protocol was explained.

Results

Eleven articles were included in the systematic review, including 1602 patients with LVADs. The median of the frequency of driveline infections in the articles was 13.8%

SUBMITTER: Koken ZO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8434872 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature