Elsevier, The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, 2(96), p. e37-e38, 2013
DOI: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2013.01.093
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We report a case of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) application over the driveline site of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) to treat an infection. The patient, a 47-year-old man with end-stage dilated cardiomyopathy, underwent Jarvik 2000 implantation through a median sternotomy. A pedestal with power supply and LVAD control was implanted into the mastoid bone. Retroauricular wound dehiscence occurred, and PRP was applied over the wound. Normal healing of the driveline exit site was observed. PRP can be used at a driveline exit site to either prevent or treat wound infection.