A novel method to reduce device-related infections in patients supported with the HeartMate device.
case_series · Level IV
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- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 10585087.
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Abstract
Improved implantable left ventricular assist device technology has made survival to heart transplantation a near certainty. Nevertheless, infection remains a major risk to recipients of current percutaneous systems. We developed a modified implantation technique applied to the last 9 of 30 patients who received the HeartMate vented electric left ventricular assist system (LVAS). Covering the upper surface of the pump with a patch of knitted graft material was followed by a decline in the incidence of pocket infections from 33.3% to 11.1%. This modification compares favorably to that of a lengthened percutaneous driveline tunnel in reducing device-related infection.
Medical subject headings
- Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation
- Coated Materials, Biocompatible
- Heart-Assist Devices
- Polyethylene Terephthalates
- Prosthesis-Related Infections