Life on the driveline - molecular detection and FISH-based visualization of microbial species in patients with left ventricular assist devices

Device-associated infections remain a major problem following left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. The Randomized Evaluation of Mechanical Assistance for the Treatment of Congestive Heart Failure (REMATCH) trial showed that sepsis accounted for more than twice the number of deaths than did device failure (41% versus 17%).1 On behalf of the ISHLT, Hannan et al. formulated a stepwise approach to define whether a VAD infection is present but stated that operative exploration and probably pump exchange are necessary for definite diagnosis and treatment.
Source: The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation - Category: Transplant Surgery Authors: Source Type: research