LVAD Wire Infection Risks: What Every Patient Should Know

Have you ever been told that you need a Left Ventricular Assist Device, as it supports the function of a weak heart? Your doctor may have given you the diagnosis of heart failure and suggested some treatments, like LVAD. Either an LVAD implantation is used as a permanent treatment or as a bridge to a heart transplant until you get a suitable heart donor. 

Although LVAD is effective in improving your symptoms of heart failure, it is also associated with some risks and complications that you should know. One of the biggest concerns for LVAD patients is something you might not hear about, and that is LVAD wire or driveline infections. Did you know that infection at the site where the driveline exits your body is the most common place to catch an infection? 

We understand that living with an LVAD is already a big change for you, but understanding how infections spread and what you can do to prevent them is something that can affect your recovery.  Let’s talk about this in detail so that you can have a beginner’s guide to LVAD to eradicate the chances of infection in the LVAD wire. 

Components of an LVAD

Before getting into the details of LVAD wire infection risk, make sure you understand each part of your LVAD device. The more you know, the easier it is to manage and protect your device. LVAD consists of both internal and external components and works together to keep your heart pumping. 

Internal components include the LVAD pump, and the external components include drivelines, controller, and batteries. The driveline connects the external controller to the internal pump, and the batteries are the power source. The controller manages the pump and also alerts the user with alarms or vibration if it is not working properly. 

What is an LVAD Wire?

One of the more sensitive components of the LVAD heart device is the driveline or LVAD wire. Why is that? LVAD wire is a connection between the pump inside and the controller and batteries outside. Without this connection, the pump couldn’t get the power from the source and could not function properly. The driveline is also busy sending information about how well your pump is working, 24 hours a day. It is like the lifeline between your heart and the technology, and that is the reason why we treat it as the most delicate link. 

Why Is the LVAD Wire a Source of Infection Risk?

LVAD wire or driveline is the only component that exits the body. Your doctor creates a permanent opening through the skin to make a way for the driveline. Because it is an opening, it becomes a vulnerable site for opportunistic bacteria to enter and cause infection. Driveline or LVAD wire infection is one of the most common complications that occur after LVAD implantation. 

With the right approach of proper care and medication, you will have a lot more control over infection risks. You may also need to have some knowledge about the risks that can cause infection. Because that will give you the power to act quickly if something doesn’t seem normal. Some of these include: 

• Poor hygiene at the exit site
• Improper dressing changes
• Physical trauma to the wire
• Tugging on the wire
• High humidity or sweating near the site
• Not wearing proper LVAD clothing to provide safety to the driveline

How to Prevent LVAD Driveline Infections?

It is true that your LVAD wire can catch an infection, but luckily, there are some ways you can prevent it. Because we all know that prevention is better than a cure. Here is a guide for you on how LVAD users and their caregivers can significantly reduce the risks by just following the set of instructions:

• Take prescribed medications and never skip your follow-up appointments
• Clean the exit site daily with an antiseptic solution as your doctor instructs
• Use sterile dressing materials and learn proper methods of dressing
• Change your dressing in a clean environment
• Avoid tugging or bending the driveline during any activity
• Secure the wire using an LVAD vest and belt
• Stay away from swimming pools or hot tubs
• Never soak the driveline site under any circumstances
• Dry sweat and be extra cautious during humid weather

How can a proper LVAD gear help in reducing infection risk?

Premium-quality LVAD clothing – have you ever thought how it can make a difference? Products like driveline covers, LVAD vests, LVAD shirts, and LVAD bags protect the device and also create a physical barrier between the LVAD wire exit site and the external environment. It helps in reducing the exposure to bacteria that can cause infection. A study supported the idea that fixation of the driveline securely in place helps to prevent driveline infections.

Did you know that one of the leading causes of infection is skin damage due to excessive driveline tugging or movement? So, with proper LVAD gear, you can not only secure the driveline in place but also prevent unnecessary movement or device shifting. 

At LVADGear, LVAD apparel is perfectly designed to accommodate controllers, batteries, and wires during daily activities and reduce accidental drops and pulls. Each product here is made with the real-life needs of patients, and that is why it is a trusted choice for many patients living with an LVAD. 

Signs of an LVAD Wire Infection:

Although you can prevent infection, you must know the signs of an LVAD wire infection. Beware of the following signs and immediately report to your doctor if you see any of these: 

• Redness or swelling around the exit site
• Drainage or foul odor
• Pain or tenderness
• Fever or chills
• General fatigue

If any of these symptoms appear, consult with your doctor so that they can limit the infection's spread without causing any severe complications.

How Are LVAD Wire Infections Treated?

Your doctor will plan a treatment based on how severe the infection is. There is not a single method that can work for everyone, even if they have the same problem. However, treatment is more effective if the infection is diagnosed in its initial phase. Some of the treatment methods are mentioned below:

• Mild infections may be treated with oral antibiotics and better dressing care.
• Severe infections may require hospitalization, IV antibiotics, or even surgical procedures.
• In extreme cases, your doctor may recommend replacing the LVAD device, as the only option.

According to a study, some of the LVAD types are more prone to infection, but it barely affects survival rates. 

What Would Happen If You Cut an LVAD Wire?

It is obvious no one would cut an LVAD wire knowingly. But have you wondered what will happen if it becomes damaged or cut accidentally? The answer is simple but scary: cutting an LVAD wire is extremely dangerous and life-threatening. 

If the driveline or LVAD wire is damaged, the LVAD pump will stop working, and your circulation can collapse in seconds. In severe cases of heart failure, your heart will stop pumping blood, which can lead to cardiac shock – a life-threatening emergency.

This is exactly why you need to take care of your LVAD device and have a backup system ready. If you ever notice the wire is damaged, or if your pump stops for some reason, never cut a power supply or anything yourself. Instead, contact your LVAD center and inform your doctor about the situation so that he can have emergency medical care prepared. 

In some situations, patients carry backup batteries and controllers, but these only work if the connection is not physically broken. Never attempt to disconnect or modify the LVAD wire on your own if the LVAD pump stops working. 

Final Thoughts

While an LVAD can greatly improve your quality of life after heart failure, it is essential to understand and manage the risks associated with the LVAD wire, especially the possibility of infections. By following proper care instructions and maintaining good hygiene, you can significantly reduce the risk of infection. Always be aware of the signs of an infection and report them to your doctor quickly. With careful management of your LVAD device with LVAD-specific clothing, you can enjoy the benefits of LVAD while minimizing complications. 

FAQs

What will happen if an LVAD device suddenly stops working?

If an LVAD device suddenly stops working, the heart will struggle to pump blood efficiently, which ultimately compromises the circulation of blood in the body. 

What should be avoided with an LVAD?

After an LVAD, it is best to avoid certain activities, and as swimming, engaging in high-risk activities, or going for MRI scans.  

What is the quality of life after LVAD?

Life after an LVAD can vary from patient to manage, as it totally depends on how effectively you modify your lifestyle and use LVAD accessories.

How do you know if the LVAD wire becomes infected?

If the driveline becomes infected, it shows redness and warmth around the driveline site and fever.

Are LVAD wire infections treatable?

Yes, LVAD wire infections can be treated with medications. Sometimes, a healthcare professional can use a number of treatment methods to treat severe infections, which may include antibiotics, wound care, and surgical interventions.