Decrease in Driveline Infections with Change in Driveline Management Protocol

Background   Driveline infections (DLI) are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in ventricular assist device (VAD) recipients. We compared driveline infection (DLI) rate after an institutional change in driveline management protocol.    Methods   We retrospectively reviewed records of left VAD recipients at our institution, based on driveline management. Group 1: daily driveline dressing change consisting of chlorhexidine cleansing, sterile 4x4 gauze, and use of an abdominal binder. Group 2: Dressing change every 3 days consisting of chlorhexidine cleansing, non-sterile silver-impregnated foam with overlying clear dressing, and use of a driveline anchor. Follow-up was censored at first DLI, device removal, transplant or death. Additionally, Group 1 patients’ follow-up was censored when the change in protocol occurred. Statistical analysis: Student’s t-test, Fisher’s exact test, Kaplan-Meier curve and log-rank test. Results DLI occurred in 16% of 88 VAD recipients (Group 1 n=24, Group 2 n=64). The new driveline management protocol resulted in significantly fewer DLI in Group 2 (6.3% vs. 41.7%, p<0.0001). Conclusions An updated driveline management protocol demonstrated significant reduction in DLI at our institution. Studies evaluating the optimal approach for driveline management are needed in order to develop a standardized regimen aimed at lowering the risk of DLI.