Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au
betterhealth.vic.gov.au
  • There is a risk of infection after heart bypass surgery linked to heater cooler units contaminated by the bacteria Mycobacterium chimaera.
  • Health services and the Department of Health has been working to minimise exposure to this bacteria and reduce the risk of infection.
  • The risk of infection is extremely low although most likely to occur in patients that have had surgery involving artificial (prosthetic) heart valve or other prosthetic material.

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Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 19-05-2017