Infections of cardiac implantable electronic devices: still a cause of high mortality

Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) are increasingly used around the globe (Figure 1).1 However, CIEDs may carry a risk of adverse events, which are classifiable as access-related, lead-related, generator-related, and infections. Thus, CIED infections may require system removal, whereas superficial or incisional infections at the pocket site might be handled conservatively. Studies reported an infection rateup to 4.9% over 5  years of follow-up.2 Serious device infections defined as requiring lead extraction or lifelong antibiotic treatment or causing death occurred in 2.7%.2

Source: Europace - June 23, 2021 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research