New treatment for driveline infection following implantation of a ventricular assist device

Abstract

In patients with an implantable ventricular assist device (VAD), driveline infection (DLI) is a challenging complication. Once DLI occurs, it may lead to pump contamination and/or septicemia, which means that early treatment is essential. We hereby report our initial experiences of a mechanically-powered portable negative pressure wound therapy system (Smart Negative Pressure: SNaPTM) to treat DLI at an outpatient clinic.