Metabolic volume performs better than SUVmax in the detection of left ventricular assist device driveline infection.

Purpose: A continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is a new and highly promising therapy in supporting end-stage heart failure patients, either bridging them to heart transplantation or as a destination therapy. Infection is one of the major complications associated with LVAD implants. F-FDG PET/CT has already been shown to be useful in the detection of LVAD infection.