title: General surgical complications associated with the use of long-term mechanical circulatory support devices: are we 'under-reporting' problems?
abstract: Multiple complications are associated with use of ventricular assist devices (VADs). Cardiac-related complications and infections are most frequently reported. VADs, however, can also lead to a number of general surgical complications equally significant in terms of morbidity and mortality. The authors performed a systematic literature search to review current data that specifically relate general surgical complications to patients who undergo left VAD implantation. The review provides a relatively clear understanding of the spectrum of general surgical complications and shows that they contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality in these patients.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
authors.forename: Vakhtang
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Tchantchaleishvili
authors.forename: Ramanan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Umakanthan
authors.forename: Seth
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Karp
authors.forename: John M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Stulak
authors.forename: Mary E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Keebler
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Maltais
mesh_terms: D006353:Heart-Assist Devices / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology*; D058028:Research Report; D013997:Time Factors