Drive-line exit-site infection in a patient with axial-flow pump support: successful management using vacuum-assisted therapy.
Infection remains one of the most common causes of mortality during left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support, and poses major challenges to surgeons implanting these devices. We describe the case of a patient supported with an axial-flow pump for dilative cardiomyopathy, who experienced drive-line exit-site infection and was treated with extensive surgical debridement and reconstruction by applying vacuum-assisted therapy. He remained infection-free after wound healing and, after 7 months of mechanical support, had native heart function recovery and underwent LVAD removal.
Garatti
Andrea
A
Department of Cardiac Surgery A. DeGasperis, Niguarda Ca' Granda Hospital, Milan, Italy. agaratti@tiscali.it
Giuseppe
Bruschi
B
Russo
Claudio Francesco
CF
Marco
Ordanini
O
Ettore
Vitali
V
D000368:Aged; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000628:therapy; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000628:therapy*; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000628:therapy*; D014618:Vacuum; D014945:Wound Healing