Infection in ventricular assist devices: prevention and treatment.
Infection is one of the most important challenges to the use of implanted mechanical circulatory support systems (MCSS), particularly as we enter the era of permanent device use in patients who are not candidates for cardiac transplantation. This paper describes the pathogenesis of MCSS infection, with particular attention to the role of biofilm-forming bacteria. Suggestions are presented for the prevention and treatment of infections in implanted MCSS.
Holman
William L
WL
Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294-0007, USA. wholman@its.uab.edu
Rayburn
Barry K
BK
McGiffin
David C
DC
Foley
Brian A
BA
Benza
Raymond L
RL
Bourge
Robert C
RC
Pinderski
Laura J
LJ
Kirklin
James K
JK
D006333:Heart Failure / Q000628:therapy; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D016459:Prosthesis-Related Infections / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*