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Nonvalvular Intravascular Device-related Infections
Nathan A. Gray1, Larry M. Baddour
1University of Tennessee Medical Center at Knoxville, 1924 Alcoa Highway U-114, Knoxville, TN 37920-6999, USA. E- mail: lbaddour@mc.utmck.edu
Current Infectious Disease Reports
|July 20, 2002
Summary
Nonvalvular intravascular devices are crucial for life support but prone to difficult-to-treat infections from multidrug-resistant organisms. This review covers device-related infections, focusing on pathogenesis, immunobiology, and treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Medical Devices
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunobiology
Background:
- Nonvalvular intravascular devices are increasingly used, surpassing prosthetic cardiac valves in prevalence.
- These life-sustaining devices require removal for cure if infected, often by multidrug-resistant microorganisms.
- Device-related infections pose significant treatment challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathogenesis and immunobiology of nonvalvular intravascular device-related infections.
- To discuss the epidemiology and treatment of infections associated with specific devices.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of current knowledge.
- Focus on pathogenesis, immunobiology, epidemiology, and treatment.
- Inclusion of pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators, catheters, grafts, stents, and ventricular assist devices.
Main Results:
- Device infections are often caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens, complicating treatment.
- Understanding pathogenesis and immunobiology is key to managing these infections.
- Effective treatment strategies are crucial for patient outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Nonvalvular intravascular device infections represent a growing clinical challenge.
- Further research into prevention and treatment is warranted.
- Multidisciplinary approaches are essential for managing these complex infections.