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Ventricular Assist Device Infections

  • Cardiovascular Infections (DP Devine, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Infectious Disease Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Ventricular Assist Devices(VAD) are the commonest form of cardiac mechanical support, used as bridge to transplantation but also as destination therapy in non-transplant-eligible patients in whom transplantation is considered unsuitable based on age criteria. Infections are common and can significantly impact on patient outcome. Strategies to prevent and treat infections have not been assessed by randomised controlled trials, a difficult task due to the multiplicity of devices and their ongoing evolution. This review summarises the recent literature on infections in VAD-supported patients, including the recently proposed definitions, microbiology, diagnosis, treatment and preventive strategies.

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References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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No potential conflicts of interest relevant to this article were reported.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Alfred Health, and Monash University, The Alfred Hospital, Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia

    Denis Spelman

  2. Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Commercial Rd, Melbourne, 3004, Australia

    Donald Esmore

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  1. Denis Spelman
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Correspondence to Denis Spelman.

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Spelman, D., Esmore, D. Ventricular Assist Device Infections. Curr Infect Dis Rep 14, 359–366 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11908-012-0261-9

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