title: Variability in infection control measures for the percutaneous lead among programs implanting long-term ventricular assist devices in the United States.
abstract: Ventricular assist devices (VADs) are a surgical treatment for heart failure. These devices may be implanted as a bridge to transplant or as destination therapy. After surgical recovery and education regarding device care, patients are discharged home. Meticulous care of the driveline must be taken to prevent infection and trauma of the site throughout the perioperative event and for the duration of support. Currently a standardized protocol for care of the driveline and exit site does not exist. VAD coordinators from across the country discussed the variability in care at different centers in the United States through a series of conference calls. A survey consisting of 16 questions was developed. The survey included questions on preoperative antibiotic recommendations, driveline placement and exit site suturing, frequency of dressing changes, and showering practices. VAD coordinators shared center-specific dressing protocols and any driveline success stories. This survey was sent to 73 centers; 38 centers (52%) responded. The purpose of the survey was to define current practice in order to move toward a standard of practice or protocol based on expert opinion for VAD driveline care and to assess the need for future studies.
authors.affiliation: University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, CO, USA. anne.cannon@uch.edu
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cannon
authors.forename: Tonya
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Elliott
authors.forename: Carole
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ballew
authors.forename: Julie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cavey
authors.forename: Genevieve
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: O'Shea
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Franzwa
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Puhlman
authors.forename: Jami
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bennett
authors.forename: Timothy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ryan
authors.forename: Kathleen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lockard
authors.forename: Neshama
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Avrahami
authors.forename: Pamela
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Brennan
authors.forename: Sudha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kurien
authors.forename: Shauna
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Andrus
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dick
authors.forename: Erin
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Davis
mesh_terms: D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis; D001458:Bandages; D018441:Biofilms; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods*; D016459:Prosthesis-Related Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013536:Suture Techniques; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology