title: Infectious complications associated with ventricular assist devices.
abstract: Improvements in technology, patient selection, and patient management have led to a wider clinical application of mechanical circulatory support. Critically ill patients often develop multiorgan ischemia and are prone to multiple complications. Despite these advances, infection is a common and sometimes lethal complication of support with ventricular assist devices. This article provides guidelines for the prevention and management of infection in patients who require such support.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, St Louis University Health Sciences Center, Mo, USA.
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Moroney
authors.forename: K J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Vaca
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001458:Bandages; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D016027:Heart Transplantation / Q000451:nursing*; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods; D007239:Infections / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009732:Nursing Care / Q000379:methods; D012307:Risk Factors; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents