Mechanical Characterization of Anchoring Devices for the Prevention of Driveline Infection in Left Ventricular Assist Device Patients

Driveline infection (DLI) is associated with increased mortality and morbidity in left ventricular assist device (LVAD) patients. Because trauma to the driveline exit-site (DLES) is a risk factor for DLI, adhesive anchoring devices are used to immobilize the DL. In this study, commonly used products (identified through literature review and contact with nine international VAD implantation centers) were mechanically characterized to evaluate their effectiveness in preventing DLES trauma. Eight devices were tested in an in vitro abdominal model of the DLES, where a tensile force (10 N) was applied to a HeartMate 3 DL, whereas the resulting force (F_Total) on the DLES was recorded using a three-axis load cell. Four devices (CathGrip: F_Total = 2.1 ± 0.4 N, Secutape: F_Total = 2.6 ± 0.3 N, Hollister: F_Total = 2.7 ± 0.5 N, Tubimed: F_Total = 2.9 ± 0.2 N) were significantly (p < 0.05) better at preventing tensile forces at the DLES compared to the other four devices (Main-Lock: F_Total = 3.7 [0.7] N, Secutape sensitive: F_Total = 3.9 ± 0.4 N, Foley Anchor: F_Total = 4.3 ± 0.5 N, Grip-Lok: F_Total = 5.4 ± 0.8 N). Immobilization of the DL with each anchoring device resulted in lower tensile force on the DLES than without an anchor (F_Total = 8.2 ± 0.3 N). In conclusion, the appropriate selection of anchoring devices plays a critical role in reducing the risk of DLI, whereas the CathGrip, Secutape, Hollister, or Tubimed were superior in preventing trauma to the DLES in this study.