Wadiwala I, Garg P, Alamouti-Fard E, Landolfo K, Sareyyupoglu B, Ahmed MES, Jacob S, Pham S. Absorbable antibiotic beads for treatment of LVAD driveline infections.
Artif Organs 2024;
48:559-566. [PMID:
38400624 DOI:
10.1111/aor.14721]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGOUND
Infections of the left ventricular assist device (LVAD) driveline are a dreaded complication that results in high mortality and morbidity.
METHOD
We retrospectively reviewed five consecutive patients with severe continuous-flow LVAD (HVAD, Heartmate 2, and Heartmate 3) driveline infection. These infections, which developed on an average of 960.4 ± 843.9 days after LVAD placement, were refractory to systemic antibiotics and local wound care. All were treated with extensive surgical debridement, local installation of absorbable antibiotic-loaded calcium sulfate beads (vancomycin and tobramycin), primary wound closure, and 6 weeks of systemic antibiotics after surgery.
RESULTS
Four patients had resolution of DLI, and one had a recurrent infection at another part of the driveline 7 months after the complete resolution of the previous site. This patient was successfully treated with debridement and bead placements. Three patients still have their LVADs, while two received orthotopic heart transplants. At the time of the transplant, there was no evidence of gross infection of the LVAD drivelines or pumps. At the average follow-up time of 425.8 ± 151 days, no patients have an active infection.
CONCLUSION
Treatment of LVAD driveline infection with absorbable antibiotic beads with primary wound closure is a viable option and merits further investigation.
Collapse