Nosocomial bloodstream infections in patients with implantable left ventricular assist devices

Ventricular Assist Device: Emerging Modality for Long Term Cardiac Support

“…[57][58][59] Other commonly implicated organisms include Gram negative bacilli such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter, and Klebsiella species, along with fungi. 58,60 Frequent use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, particularly during the index hospitalization, is believed to increase susceptibility for fungal infections, which are associated with the highest risk of death. 60,61 The most common site of infection is the percutaneous driveline, which can often be managed successfully with wound care and antibiotics.…”

“…58,60 Frequent use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, particularly during the index hospitalization, is believed to increase susceptibility for fungal infections, which are associated with the highest risk of death. 60,61 The most common site of infection is the percutaneous driveline, which can often be managed successfully with wound care and antibiotics. 62 However, a driveline infection can spread to other components of the VAD resulting in bacteremia, sepsis, and endocarditis 63 .…”

“…Sepsis in patients with mechanical assist devices has been reported to be the leading cause of death and can result in cerebral emboli and multi-organ failure. 58,60 Other infections, including mediastinitis and peritonitis, have also been reported. Many strategies have been adopted to try to minimize device-related and wound infections.…”

“…64,65 There are also many modifications made to device design to further decrease the risk of infection which include the use of larger single-lead drivelines and drivelines coated with chlorhexidine and silver sulfadiazine. 60,66 Studies of rotary blood pumps with their reduced surface area for colonization and smaller surgical pump pocket suggest that they are less prone to infection. 67,68 …”

Efficacy of calendula officinalis as an antibacterial on in vitro pseudomonas aeruginosa

“…[3] For example, contaminated non-touch fittings in hospitals are a great hazard, especially when they are installed in risk areas such as intensive care units. [4] Moreover, P. aeruginosa infections may accelerate lung disease in children, and this may result in a very high rate of mortality in pediatric wards.…”