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Insertion, Maintenance, and Removal of the Percutaneous Dual Lumen Cannula Right Ventricular Assist Device
Published on: July 20, 2022
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Cold Atmospheric Plasma Therapy: An Innovative Approach to Treating Driveline Infections in Left Ventricular Assist
Hebe Al Asadi1, Martina Socha1, Christiane Marko1
1Department of Cardiac and Thoracic Aortic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
Artificial Organs
|April 20, 2026
Summary
Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) therapy significantly improves wound healing and reduces hospital readmissions for driveline infections (DLIs) in left ventricular assist device (LVAD) patients. This safe, non-contact treatment offers better outcomes compared to usual care.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Driveline infections (DLIs) are a significant complication for patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs).
- DLIs negatively impact patient quality of life and overall outcomes.
- Current treatments for DLIs can be invasive and have variable success rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) therapy as an adjuvant treatment for DLIs in LVAD patients.
- To compare the outcomes of CAP therapy with standard care for DLI treatment.
- To assess the safety and feasibility of CAP for DLI management.
Main Methods:
- A single-center cohort study involving 78 LVAD outpatients with DLIs.
- Patients were divided into two groups: usual care (n=36) and adjuvant CAP therapy (n=42).
- Usual care included antibiotics, silver dressings, debridement, and VAC therapy; CAP therapy was administered 2-3 times weekly.
Main Results:
- CAP therapy demonstrated higher wound healing rates (50% vs. 25%, p=0.03) compared to usual care.
- DLI-related hospital readmissions were significantly lower in the CAP group (19.0% vs. 54.5%, p<0.001).
- No adverse effects or device malfunctions were observed during CAP treatment, even in severe DLIs.
Conclusions:
- Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a safe and effective non-contact therapy for driveline infections in LVAD patients.
- CAP therapy significantly improves wound healing and reduces hospital readmissions.
- CAP offers a promising treatment option to enhance outcomes and quality of life for LVAD recipients with DLIs.
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