Treatment of chronic left ventricular assist device infection with local application of bacteriophages

Abstract

Left ventricular assist device-associated infections represent a major complication during long-term support. Driveline exit site infections harbour the risk of ascending into the pump, causing deep-seated infections. We report on the successful treatment of a chronic recurrent left ventricular assist device pump-associated infection by the local application of bacteriophages as adjunct to standard surgical and antimicrobial treatment.