Abstract
The HeartMate II LVAD has provided a bridge to heart transplantation or a permanent fixture for destination therapy for patients with heart failure. LVAD infections are associated with significant morbidity even when treated with explantation, device exchange, or a salvage procedure. We present an unusual complication following the placement of the HeartMate II device in an adolescent, whereby a pocket infection resulted in a large soft tissue defect overlying and surrounding the device. The novel use of a VRAM flap was successfully used to repair the defect and salvage the device.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | E130-E133 |
Journal | Pediatric Transplantation |
Volume | 16 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jun 2012 |
Keywords
- HeartMate II LVAD
- LVAD pocket infection
- cardiac transplantation
- flap
- heart transplantation
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
- Transplantation