INFECTIONS ASSOCIATED WITH IMPLANTED BLOOD PUMPS

A variety of prosthetic blood pumps are currently undergoing experimental development or are available for clinical use. The Jarvik-7(R) and Jarvik 7-70(R) (Symbion-7(R) and Symbion 7-70(R)) total artificial hearts (TAH) have been used worldwide both experimentally and for clinical mechanical circulatory support. Of the 190 patients implanted with these devices, 133 went on to cardiac transplantation and 68 of the transplanted patients are alive. Complications associated with the use of the TAH have included postoperative hemorrhage, thrombosis with thromboembolism and infection. The incidence of infection in the patients implanted with the TAH has declined significantly since initial clinical use and is now near 30%. Staphylococcus epidermidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are the most commonly pathogens isolated from these devices.