Effective Reduction of Postoperative Infections through Routine Preoperative Decolonization with Chlorhexidine and Mupirocin Prior to Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation

Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) are increasingly being used in patients with advanced heart failure. Infections are a major complication associated with LVADs. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of a decolonization protocol with chlorhexidine and intranasal mupirocin ointment on postoperative surgical site infection (SSIs), central line associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI), catheter associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI), and infection related rehospitalization within 90 days of LVAD implantation.
Source: The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation - Category: Transplant Surgery Authors: Tags: 531 Source Type: research