[Infection control measures and surveillance of patients with ventricular assist devices].
Ventricular assist devices (VAD) are a new routine therapy option for end-stage heart failure. However, the incidence of VAD-related infections varies between 20 and 188% and makes a major contribution to VAD-related morbidity. Therefore, optimised infection control policies should be applied to prevent VAD-related infections. As to date only a few studies exist investigating particular prevention measures for VAD recipients, we have tried to adapt evidence-based guidelines. In detail the following preventive measures are discussed: antibiotic prophylaxis, endocarditis prophylaxis, dressing technique for the driveline-exit site and education of patients and medical staff. A new patient-based surveillance system is proposed which reflects the different times since implantation of VADs and therefore allows a fair method for interhospital comparison.
Mattner
F
F
Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie und Krankenhaushygiene, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse 1, 30625 Hannover, Deutschland. Mattner.Frauke@mh-hannover.de
Chaberny
I F
IF
Mattner
L
L
Gastmeier
P
P
Tessmann
R
R
Strüber
M
M
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004697:Endocarditis, Bacterial / Q000517:prevention & control; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic; D016459:Prosthesis-Related Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents