Staged left ventricular assist device reimplantation via the left anterior wall approach for a patient with severe pump pocket infection

Abstract

Pump pocket infection (PPI) is a refractory condition that can cause lethal complications in patients with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). We report a case of PPI after LVAD implantation for ischemic cardiomyopathy that was successfully treated with staged pump reimplantation into the left ventricular anterior wall with the pedicled omental transfer. Major modification of the pump implantation site might be a useful strategy for local infection control of severe PPI.

Keywords: left ventricular assist device; omentopexy; pump exchange; pump pocket infection.