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Published on: July 20, 2022
Mycobacterium chimaera left ventricular assist device infections
Leora B Balsam1, Eddie Louie2, Fred Hill1
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, NYU-Langone Medical Center, New York, New York.
Abstract:
A global outbreak of invasive Mycobacterium chimaera infections after cardiac surgery has recently been linked to bioaerosols from contaminated heater-cooler units. The majority of cases have occurred after valvular surgery or aortic graft surgery and nearly half have resulted in death. To date, infections in patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have not been characterized in the literature. We report two cases of device-associated M. chimaera infection in patients with continuous-flow LVADs and describe challenges related to diagnosis and management in this population.
Insights
Invasive Mycobacterium chimaera infections, linked to cardiac surgery devices, are a global threat. This study characterizes these rare infections in patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs).
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
- Medical Devices
Background:
- A global outbreak of invasive Mycobacterium chimaera infections has been associated with contaminated heater-cooler units used during cardiac surgery.
- These infections primarily affect patients undergoing valvular or aortic graft surgery, with a high mortality rate.
- The characteristics of Mycobacterium chimaera infections in patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) remain largely unaddressed in scientific literature.
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