How LVAD vest help reduce driveline infection risk?

LVAD is a life-supporting device that majorly improves the quality of life and reduces symptoms of Heart Failure, but it comes with a responsibility to carry and manage the device. One of the essential things you need to protect is your driveline, because it is a sensitive site and needs to be protected all the time. To prevent a complication like driveline infection, it is best to manage the driveline with an LVAD Heartmate vest, as it limits the movement and prevents skin irritation, which reduces the chances of infection. 

Let’s talk about this in detail to understand how an LVAD vest is designed to prevent complications like tugging and infection, and how it greatly impacts your daily life. 

What does the driveline of an LVAD do?

Driveline is the cable that connects the LVAD pump inside the heart to the external batteries and the controller. It is this wire through which your LVAD receives power and helps run it smoothly 24/7. 

Know this that the driveline is a connection and an open pathway that exits your body through the skin in the abdominal area. And this is the site where opportunistic bacteria can enter and cause infection. For this reason, proper protection of the driveline site and the stabilization of the wires are important to prevent complications like infection and device damage.

Risk of LVAD Driveline Infection:

Driveline infection is one of the most common complications after LVAD implantation. But how this is the sensitive site, and what factors can increase the risks of infection of the LVAD wire, are described below:

• Movement or accidental tugging can irritate the driveline site

• Moisture or sweat increases the risk of infection

• Sharp movements like bending or turning can put pressure and damage the exit site

• Poor handling or stability causes trauma to the tissue

• Daily activities can shift the device and wires if not properly managed with LVAD gear. 

If an infection develops, it may cause you irritation, and in some cases, you may need serious medical attention to treat this. That is why you need to prevent rather than to treat.

How LVAD Vest helps reduce Driveline Infection risk:

Unlike a regular vest, an LVAD vest is designed with smart features that not only help you cover but also manage the device securely in place and keep the wire and driveline organized with a proper driveline management system. LVAD vests better carry and stabilize the driveline, which reduces friction, pulling, and any further complications. Here are the potential benefits of the featured LVAD Vest:

Stabilizes Driveline:

The LVAD vest features hook and loops that organize wires and reduce the chances of accidental tugs and pulling. The driveline stays locked in place, which reduces its movement and prevents skin irritation.

Keeps Device Organized: 

The hidden secured pockets keep your LVAD device organized in place and prevent device shifting with the added security of Velcro. This stability further secures the driveline.

Provides Barrier: 

Durable fabric in our LVAD vests acts as a barrier between your skin and the outside environment, which reduces the exposure to bacteria and ultimately the infection risk. 

Manage Moisture Buildup: 

Added details in making LVAD vests, like moisture-wicking & water-resistant fabric of LVAD vest keeps the area dry and reduces moisture in the driveline exit site, which is one of the risks to driveline infection. 

Minimizes Trauma:

Your device stays stable even when you move throughout the day and helps minimize trauma to the device, including the driveline. 

Strategies to Keep Driveline Safe:

After LVAD implantation, your doctor will tell you about the safe care techniques and management that will help you manage it effectively in order to prevent complications after surgery. Here are some of the strategies to keep yourself and the device safe:

• Take prescribed antibiotic medications by your doctor, especially in the initial phase of recovery.

• Use LVAD driveline covers that add an extra layer of protection by keeping them clean.

• Keep the exit site clean and dry, and follow safe hygienic methods.

• Change driveline dressings regularly, as it is essential to prevent infection.

• Use proper LVAD apparel, like an LVAD shirt, LVAD vest, or LVAD belts, according to your activity level and preference. For example, for hobbies like fishing & hunting, LVADGear offers HeartMate Men's Textile Vest with a multiple pocket design & LVAD functionality to support you in your recreational activity. 

Why do you need to prevent LVAD driveline infection?

If we keep it simple, we need to prevent LVAD driveline infection to improve the quality of life. Managing infection, especially for LVAD patients, may not be simple every time and may require revision surgery, hospitalization, and implant failure. So, to avoid severe complications, one must follow safety guidelines to prevent it, as infection can lead to:

• Pain and discomfort

• Reduced mobility

• Antibiotic treatment

• Interrupted daily routine

• In severe cases, hospitalization or surgical intervention

Final Thoughts:

Protecting your LVAD driveline is essential for maintaining your health and quality of life. Using an LVAD vest is a smart choice, as it offers the right support and organization for your device that helps to minimize the risk of infections and complications. By keeping the driveline stable and secured, the LVAD vest makes daily activities easier and safer. Investing in LVAD-specific clothing not only simplifies your routine but also provides peace of mind. Don't wait and prioritize your well-being with an LVAD vest today.

FAQs

What does the driveline of an LVAD do?

Driveline is a cable or wire that connects the LVAD pump inside the heart to the batteries and the controller outside through a skin opening in the abdominal area. Driveline supplies the power to run an LVAD pump smoothly.

How common is the infection after LVAD?

Almost 30 to 50% of LVAD patients carry an infection after LVAD, but it can be managed with proper care of the driveline site and using proper LVAD apparel to organize it securely.

Is it comfortable to wear an LVAD vest all day?

Most of the LVAD vests are made of quality fabric, which is designed to carry an LVAD device all day and to evenly distribute the  device’s weight to prevent strain.