Infection

Affects 14-35%4 of VAD patients and is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. 

Key points:

Driveline infections are common and easy to spot. If the driveline looks ok, think of either a deep driveline infection or VAD-related non-driveline infection or a non-VAD related infection.

The table below summarises some of the salient points and actions to take when suspecting infection.

Classified into 3 categories: