Outpacing Pacemaker and ICD Infections

Описание: Mayo Clinic electrophysiologist Yong-Mei Cha, M.D., and infectious diseases specialist Rizwan Sohail, M.D., discuss the management of pacemaker and implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) infections. Visit http://www.mayoclinic.org/departments... for more information on pacemakers, ICDs, or to request an appointment.

Studies show that infections are more common in patients undergoing re-entry procedures such as pack changes and lead revisions than those receiving first time pacemaker or ICD implantations. This is the result of typically being an older patient population, having more comorbidities, and the device and/or leads have been implanted for a longer period of time creating more scar tissue and less blood flow in that area.

When treating pacemaker and ICD infections, it is important to determine if the infection is superficial or inside the device pocket. An ultrasound can determine if fluid or an abscess formation exists inside the pocket and an echocardiogram can identify lead or valve infections. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, the device and leads may need to be extracted. This can be a complex procedure and has much higher risk than implantation, so a multidisciplinary team of experts is available to ensure patient safety.

New technologies such as a subcutaneous defibrillator or a leadless pacemaker have shown to have less infection due to their size and method of implantation.

Video Content Outline:
• Introduction
• Overview of device infections (0:32)
• Factors leading to increased risk of infection (2:07)
• Treatment (4:40)
• New technology (9:40)
• Conclusion (11:49)