Ventricular assist devices (VADs) are an established therapeutic option 1 for patients with end-stage heart failure and provide circulatory support until myocardial recovery, heart transplantation or as destination therapy. Over the last decade, mechanical circulatory support has further improved patient survival and quality of life due to improvements in the design and durability of the devices. 2 However, infection remains a major adverse event and a relevant cause of morbidity and mortality in VAD recipients 2 with considerable best practices variation regarding infection prevention and management and driveline exit site care. 3,4 Infection occurs in up to 60% of VAD patients 4 and is the most frequent adverse event during the first 3 months

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