Repair of Left Ventricular Assist Device Driveline Damage Directly at the Transcutaneous Exit Site

• DOI: 10.1111/aor.12170
• Publication Date: 2013-10-08T16:22:10Z
• Authors: Heinrich Schima; Martin Stoiber; Thomas Schlöglhofer; Zeno Hartner; Thomas Haberl; Daniel Zimpfer
• Keywords: Skin irritation; Exit site

Abstract With increasing support duration of cardiac assist devices, transcutaneous drivelines remain a weak point the therapy. First, they can be an entry for infections, and second, cable lesions even electrical failures due to material fatigue eventual carelessness occur. We report case damaged outer sheath ventricular device driveline directly at exit site, where standard repair procedure with self‐fusing tape may lead biocompatibility problems irritation entrance through skin. Therefore, new was developed using special sleeve expander tool highly expandable latex tubing stabilize defect in flexible biocompatible manner. A patient experienced fracture HeartWare HVAD skin (approximately 15 mm long, 5 distal from skin). The metal strands functionality were yet not affected, therefore, pump exchange indicated. After considering several conventional solutions as applicable, approach developed: applied, which allowed radial stretching tubing. preparations briefly disconnected, moved over connector released site fracture. problem could solved by keeping cable's flexibility without additional risks Within still ongoing (5‐month) follow‐up, returned perfect condition no further intervention necessary. In conclusion, this method allows quick stabilization isolations near resulting surface consistent cable.