The cytochemical demonstration of bacteria in total artificial heart implant specimens

Abstract

Implantation of the total artificial heart and its associated systems, such as the pneumatic driving system, or other cardiovascular prostheses such as ventricular assist devices, intravenous catheters, ventriculo-atrial shunts, pacemaker electrodes and prosthetic heart valves can be complicated by the problem of bacterial infection.Staphylococcus epidermidis.a ubiquitous commensal of human skin and mucous membranes normally does not cause disease in man. It is now recognized, however, as an opportunistic pathogen of biomaterial implants especially cardiovascular protheses. This is due to its ability to undergo transformation to produce mucoid or polysaccharide extracellular coating substances which promote its adherence to biomaterial surfaces and protect the bacteria against antibiotics and host defense mechanisms; this results in increased virulence of the slime-producing strains.