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Left Ventricular Assist Device Salvage with Omental Flap
Luke A Cusimano1, Emily T Wolfe1, Pamela Tan1
1Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, La.; Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, La.; and Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, La.
Left ventricular assist device infections are challenging to treat. Using an omental flap for soft-tissue coverage can successfully salvage infected devices, improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Wound Healing
- Biomaterials
Background:
- Heart failure necessitates left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), posing infection risks.
- LVAD infections lead to significant morbidity and mortality.
- Effective soft-tissue coverage is crucial for managing LVAD infections.
Observation:
- Omental flaps offer vascularity, bulk, and immunological benefits for soft-tissue reconstruction.
- A case report details the use of an omental flap for LVAD salvage.
Findings:
- The omental flap successfully provided coverage for a large defect post-LVAD infection treatment.
- This approach resulted in excellent outcomes for the patient.
Implications:
- Omental flaps represent a viable and effective option for soft-tissue coverage in infected LVAD cases.
- This technique may improve salvage rates and reduce complications associated with LVAD infections.
