Mycobacterium abscessus Left Ventricle Assist Device Driveline Infections: An Emerging Pathogen?

The use of left ventricular assist device is associated with improvement in survival in patients with refractory heart failure. However, driveline infection limits the success of its use as it is associated with significant mortality. We describe the first 2 cases of Mycobacterium abscessus driveline infection. Both patients had persistent infection despite of aggressive antibiotic treatment and local debridement, and only improved after removal of their left ventricular assist devices.