title: Current management of left ventricular assist device erosion.
abstract: Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) pocket infection is a serious and potentially fatal complication. Not infrequently, the device erodes externally through the thoracoabdominal wall or internally into the peritoneum. In this article, we report two cases to illustrate the presentation and challenges associated with management of LVAD-pocket infection and wound necrosis. Afterward, we review the current therapeutic strategies for LVAD erosion.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
authors.forename: Carlo R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Bartoli
authors.forename: Caitlin T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Demarest
authors.forename: Zain
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Khalpey
authors.forename: Hiroo
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Takayama
authors.forename: Yoshifumi
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Naka
mesh_terms: D034861:Abdominal Wall; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D020878:Device Removal; D004322:Drainage; D006352:Heart Ventricles; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010537:Peritoneum; D011475:Prosthesis Failure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016459:Prosthesis-Related Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D011552:Pseudomonas Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative; D035441:Thoracic Wall; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents