Diagnosis and management of left ventricular assist device valve-endocarditis: LVAD valve replacement

A 57-year-old man who has been wearing a Novacor N100 left ventricular assist device (LVAD) for more than 3 years suffered from LVAD endocarditis. Only by immunoscintigraphic methods was it possible to localize the septic focus. After successful exchange of in- and outflow tract valves, the infection was eradicated. Microscopic investigation confirmed the scintigraphic findings: Gram-positive bacteria were found. The valves showed no gross degenerative lesions after more than 1,100 days of implantation. The patient is now doing well.