A retrospective study of left ventricular assist device-related infections.

Barbara Bentz, Judith Hupcey, Rosemary C. Polomano, John Boehmer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

21 Scopus citations

Abstract

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) represent considerable technological advancements, which are increasing survival and maintaining the highest quality of life for patients with chronic heart failure. A retrospective analysis of outcomes was conducted on 90 patients during LVAD support with either a Thoratec (n = 41) or HeartMate (n = 49) device, with a median of 56 days (range 3-350 days). Device-related infections occurred in 18 of the 90 subjects (20%). A significant increase in device-related infections was noted with the HeartMate LVAD (chi 2 analysis, P < .05). The drive line was the most common site of device-related infections, accounting for 52.1%, with 31.1% occurring in the pocket and 15.1% in the LVAD itself. There was little if any correlation that existed between time spent in the hospital prior to implantation of an LVAD and the development of device-related infections.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)9-16
Number of pages8
JournalThe Journal of cardiovascular management : the official journal of the American College of Cardiovascular Administrators
Volume15
Issue number1
StatePublished - 2004

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Medicine(all)

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