Impact of extracellular matrix scaffold on driveline infection rate in patients with left ventricular assist devices

Objective

Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation is a life-saving procedure for patients with advanced heart failure. However, postimplantation complications such as driveline infections (DLIs) can significantly affect patient outcomes. We assessed whether placing an extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffold around the driveline during LVAD implantation reduces the incidence of DLIs in patients with LVADs.

Methods

This retrospective observational study included 196 consecutive patients with LVADs between January 2018 and June 2022. We compared the data of patients who received ECM implantation during LVAD implantation (ECM group, n = 69) with those who did not (control group, n = 127).

Results

During the study period, 24 of 196 (12.2%) patients with LVADs developed a DLI. Patients who underwent ECM placement exhibited a significantly lower incidence of DLIs than those in the control group (ECM 3/69 vs control 21/127; P = .012).

Conclusions

Patients who received ECM implantation at the time of LVAD implantation had a significantly lower rate of DLIs than patients who did not receive ECM around the driveline. These results suggest that ECM may be a valuable adjunctive strategy to reduce the risk of DLIs in LVAD recipients.