Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026
Optical Screening of Novel Bacteria-specific Probes on Ex Vivo Human Lung Tissue by Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy
Published on: November 29, 2017
Device related infections: are we making progress?
William L Holman1, Salpy V Pamboukian, David C McGiffin
1Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA. wholman@uab.edu
Abstract:
Infection was identified early in development of mechanical circulatory support devices (MCSDs) as an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Sepsis, infection of implanted pump components, and infections of percutaneous drivelines continue to limit survival and decrease quality of life for patients with a MCSD. This review examines five questions related to whether there has been progress in preventing or managing infection complications in patients with MCSDs. Have changes in patient selection, device design, and surgical implant techniques decreased the incidence of infection? Do smaller implanted blood pumps have a lower risk for infection than larger implanted blood pumps? Will fully implanted circulatory support systems have fewer infection complications than tethered MCSDs? Can optimal design of a driveline together with improvements in surgical techniques and care of the percutaneous driveline diminish the rate and consequences of driveline infections? Have improvements in the preoperative, intraoperative, and immediate postoperative management of patients with MCSDs decreased the risk of sepsis? Although infection remains an important problem for patients with MCSDs, there is evidence that we are making progress as described in this review. It is crucial that we continue.
Insights
Infection complications with mechanical circulatory support devices (MCSDs) remain a challenge, but progress is being made in prevention and management strategies for improved patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Infection is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with mechanical circulatory support devices (MCSDs).
- Sepsis, pump component infections, and driveline infections limit survival and quality of life for MCSD patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review progress in preventing and managing infection complications in patients with MCSDs.
- To examine advancements in patient selection, device design, surgical techniques, and perioperative management.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and clinical data concerning infection rates and outcomes in MCSD patients.
- Analysis of the impact of device characteristics (size, implantation type) and management strategies on infection incidence.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests progress in reducing infection incidence through improved patient selection, device design, and surgical techniques.
- Smaller pumps and fully implanted systems may offer lower infection risks.
- Optimized driveline design and care, alongside enhanced perioperative management, show potential for diminishing infection rates and consequences.
Conclusions:
- While infection remains a critical issue for MCSD recipients, advancements indicate positive trends in mitigation.
- Continued research and implementation of improved strategies are crucial for further enhancing patient safety and outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Infection
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
01:30Bacterial Signaling
01:23Hand hygiene
Hand washing...
01:26Healthcare Associated Infections I: Iatrogenic, Exogenic and Endogenic
HAIs significantly increase the cost of health care. Extended stays in healthcare institutions, increased disability, increased costs of medications, including specialized antibiotics, and prolonged recovery times add to the patient's expenses and the healthcare institution and funding bodies. Common...