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Mycobacterium abscessus Left Ventricle Assist Device Driveline Infections: An Emerging Pathogen?

Jonatan David Nunez Breton1, Gabriel Hernandez2, Jacques Simkins3

  • 1Internal Medicine Department, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.

Transplant Infectious Disease : an Official Journal of the Transplantation Society
|June 14, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Driveline infections from Mycobacterium abscessus are a serious complication for patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). Device removal was necessary for recovery in two reported cases, highlighting treatment challenges.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Medical Device Technology

Background:

  • Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) improve survival in refractory heart failure.
  • Driveline infections are a significant complication associated with LVADs, leading to increased mortality.
  • Mycobacterium abscessus is a challenging pathogen to treat.

Observation:

  • Two cases of Mycobacterium abscessus driveline infection in LVAD patients are presented.
  • Infections persisted despite aggressive antibiotic therapy and local debridement.
  • Both patients experienced clinical improvement only after LVAD explantation.

Findings:

  • Mycobacterium abscessus poses a difficult-to-treat infection risk for LVAD patients.
  • Standard treatments including antibiotics and debridement may be insufficient for resolution.
  • LVAD removal appears to be a critical step in managing these severe infections.

Implications:

  • This highlights the need for novel strategies to prevent and manage driveline infections caused by atypical mycobacteria.
  • Clinicians should consider Mycobacterium abscessus in refractory driveline infections.
  • Further research is warranted to explore effective treatment protocols and the role of device management in similar cases.
Keywords:
Mycobacterium abscessusdriveline infectionleft ventricle-assisted devicerapidly growing Mycobacteria

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