Impact of narrowing perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis for left ventricular assist device implantation.

Background: Although infections are a significant potential complication among patients undergoing left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation, standardized surgical infection prophylaxis (SIP) regimens are not well defined. At Montefiore Medical Center, a 4-drug SIP regimen containing fluconazole, ciprofloxacin, rifampin, and vancomycin was previously utilized. In January 2020, the antimicrobial stewardship program implemented a 2-drug SIP regimen of vancomycin and cefazolin to limit exposure to broad-spectrum antibiotics.

The Interaction of Amiodarone and Continuous-flow Left Ventricular Assist Device Use in Risk of Severe Primary Graft Dysfunction Following Heart Transplantation.

Background: Primary graft dysfunction (PGD) increases morbidity and mortality after heart transplant. Here we investigated (1) the association of continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD), amiodarone, and severe PGD and (2) the safety of amiodarone discontinuation in CF-LVAD patients.

Methods: Retrospective, single-center study of heart transplant recipients was conducted to investigate the association of risk factors and severe PGD.