Management of deep wound complications with vacuum-assisted therapy after Berlin Heart EXCOR ventricular assist device placement in the pediatric population.

ABSTRACT

Wound complications after ventricular assist device (VAD) placement remain a formidable challenge to surgeons. The Berlin Heart EXCOR VAD is a versatile pulsatile system that has been successful in pediatric patients of all ages and sizes. Prevention of device-related complications such as infection, particularly in pediatric patients, remains an essential issue in minimizing patient morbidity and mortality. The introduction of vacuum-assisted wound closure (VAC) therapy and its application in VAD-related wound complications provide an efficient and effective method for wound healing. We report our experience in the management of deep wound complications in two pediatric patients after placement of the Berlin Heart EXCOR VAD. The wound VAC system proved to achieve complete wound healing without any infectious complications.