Antibiotic Prophylaxis Strategies in LVAD Implantation and LVAD Infections: A Systematic Review of the Literature

There has been an increase in the use of left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) not only as a bridge to transplant, but also as destination therapy for patients with end stage heart failure. Secondary infections remain a challenging problem of LVAD usage with a significant associated morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this review is to identify current trends in antibiotics prophylaxis, common organisms isolated, location of infections, and overall outcomes for those with LVAD related and LVAD associated infections.