Multidisciplinary approach to treat ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm into the vena cava

Funding Information: The editors and reviewers of this article have no relevant financial relationships to disclose per the Journal policy that requires reviewers to decline review of any manuscript for which they may have a conflict of interest. Copyright: Copyright 2020 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.publishersversionPeer reviewe

Successful Bacteriophage-Antibiotic Combination Therapy against Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Left Ventricular Assist Device Driveline Infection

Publisher Copyright: © 2023 by the authors.There is considerable interest in the use of bacteriophages (phages) to treat Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections associated with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). These infections are often challenging to manage due to high rates of multidrug resistance and biofilm formation, which could potentially be overcome with the use of phages. We report a case of a 54-year-old man with relapsing multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa LVAD driveline infection, who was treated with a combination of two lytic antipseudomonal phages administered intravenously and locally. Treatment was combined with LVAD driveline repositioning and systemic antibiotic administration, resulting in a successful outcome with clinical cure and eradication of the targeted bacteria. However, laboratory in vitro models showed that phages alone could not eradicate biofilms but could prevent biofilm formation. Phage-resistant bacterial strains evolved in biofilm models and showed decreased susceptibility to the phages used. Further studies are needed to understand the complexity of phage resistance and the interaction of phages and antibiotics. Our results indicate that the combination of phages, antibiotics, and surgical intervention can have great potential in treating LVAD-associated infections. More than 21 months post-treatment, our patient remains cured of the infection.publishersversionPeer reviewe

St. Jude Epic Heart Valve Bioprostheses Versus Native Human and Porcine Aortic Valves - Comparison 0f Mechanical Properties

St. Jude Epic heart valve bioprostheses versus native human and porcine aortic valves - comparison of mechanical propertie