Fungal infections in ventricular assist devices

Device infections in patients supported by a mechanical circulatory support system remain an important problem, particularly as we enter the era of pe rmanent device implantation. This article focuses on fungal infections that occur in patients with ventricular assist devices. The nature of fungal, e specially Candida species, colonization and infection in severely ill, hosp italized patients will be described. information regarding the effect of th e artificial surface-blood interface on the immune system's ability to comb at fungal organisms will also be presented. Basic aspects of the fungal-hos t interaction serve as the foundation for a discussion of clinical manageme nt protocols for preventing and treating fungal infections in patients supp orted by a ventricular assist device.