Multicenter experience: prevention and management of left ventricular assist device infections

Implantable left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have demonstrated clinical success in both the bridge-to-transplantation and destination-therapy patient populations; however, infection remains one of the most common causes of mortality during mechanical circulatory support. Thus, serious LVAD infections may negate the benefits of LVAD implantation, resulting in decreased quality of life, increased morbidity and mortality, and increased costs associated with implantation. Prevention of device-related infection is crucial to the cost-effective use of mechanical circulatory support devices. Therefore, adherence to evidence-based infection control and prevention guidelines, meticulous surgical technique and optimal postoperative surgical site care form the foundation for LVAD associated infection prevention.