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Updated: Jun 17, 2026
07:39
Use of a Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Device/Left Atrium to Femoral Artery Bypass System for Cardiogenic Shock
Published on: August 16, 2021
Fungemia associated with left ventricular assist device support
Natasha G Bagdasarian1, Anurag N Malani, Francis D Pagani
1Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
Journal of Cardiac Surgery
|January 19, 2010
Summary
Fungal infections are rare but serious complications of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support. Prompt antifungal treatment and transplantation can effectively manage Candida infections, but Aspergillus poses a significant mortality risk.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support is crucial for heart failure management.
- Infections are a significant complication of LVADs, with fungal infections posing a severe threat.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the epidemiology of fungemia in patients with LVADs.
- To identify risk factors and outcomes associated with fungal infections in LVAD recipients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 292 patients who received LVAD support between October 1996 and April 2009.
- Analysis of seven cases of LVAD-associated fungemia.
Main Results:
- Seven cases of fungemia were observed (0.1 infections/1000 device support days).
- Candida species caused five infections, successfully treated with antifungals and transplantation in four.
- Aspergillus species caused two infections, leading to disseminated disease, sepsis, and death in both patients.
Conclusions:
- Fungal infections are rare but serious LVAD complications.
- Disseminated Aspergillus infections are particularly lethal.
- Perioperative fluconazole prophylaxis may be an effective preventive strategy.
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