127. Novel Treatment Approach for Left Ventricular Assist Device-related Infections

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation has become an effective treatment option for patients with severe heart failure. However, infections remain a substantial risk. Therefore, the aim of this study was to gain insight in the incidence and outcome of LVAD infections in our center and develop an up-to-date flowchart for the management of LVAD-related infections. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed which included all patients with an LVAD implanted between 2006 until 2019, along with a rigorous review of the current literature. Clinical records and microbiological laboratory results of all patients were reviewed. In view of local infectious complications, a flowchart was developed for the contemporary management of LVAD-related infections (Figure 1). RESULTS: Overall, 106 patients (median age 54 years [IQR 47–60], 78% male) were included, of whom 92 (87%) as bridge-to-transplantation/decision and 14 (13%) as destination therapy. LVAD-related infections occurred in n = 30 (28%) of the patients. The median time until first infection was 308 days [IQR 115–528], and the median duration of hospital stay was 16 days [IQR 4–29]. Eighty percent of LVAD-related infections were driveline-related. The most common causative pathogen was Staphylococcus aureus, which was present in almost half of the cases (40%). Patients who experienced infections were younger (46 [IQR 37–57] vs. 56 [IQR 52–62]; P < 0.001).The survival rate at 3 years was 76% in the infected vs. 94% not infected patients; P = 0.037). A secondary infection occurred in 10 patients (33%). At 3 years of follow-up, 31 patients were successfully transplanted. Six patients with deep S. aureus driveline infections were treated according to the standardized protocol of whom 2 with suppressive therapy by cephalexin, with clinical success so far. CONCLUSION: LVAD infections occur frequently and lead to prolonged periods of hospital admissions and death. The lack of standardized treatment regimens complicates the treatment of LVAD-related infections. A comprehensive flowchart to treat future LVAD-related infections in a protocolized fashion was developed, based on our single-center experience. While the preliminary results look promising, more follow-up time of the treated patients is needed. [Image: see text] [Image: see text] DISCLOSURES: All authors: No reported disclosures.