Abstract 14200: Pacemaker Dependent Patients Can Be Discharged With Active Fix Temporary Pacemakers Following CIED Extraction for Infection

Abstract

Introduction: Management of infected CIEDs includes removal of the device with adjunctive antibiotic therapy. Temporary device management has historically consisted of a balloon-tipped temporary pacemaker (TPM). In recent years, TPMs with an externalized standard permanent pacing generator and an active fixation permanent pacing lead have become an alternative option to the balloon tipped pacemaker. These patients are typically kept in the hospital; however, this temporary pacing system is very secure, and with adequate social supports, these patients can be discharged. Methods: We reviewed data from patients who had CEID extraction between July 2012 and October 2021 at Oregon Health and Science University, and identified patients who were pacer dependent, underwent extraction for infection, and were discharged with an active fix TPM via the right internal jugular. Data for this study were collected prospectively in an IRB-approved clinical and research database for all patients undergoing lead extraction procedures. Results: A total of 14 individuals were identified between July 2012 and October 2021. Of the 14 patients identified, the majority were male (57.1%), had a median age of 71 years, and had systemic infections (92.9%). The mean length of hospitalization was 12 days, with a follow up visit occurring 5 days after discharge on average. One patient was lost to follow up following discharge with a plan for reimplantation at an outside hospital. The remaining 13 patients were seen weekly in pacer clinic for device and site checks. The total duration of TPM implantation ranged from 6 days to 153 days, with a mean of 36 days. There were no complications including systemic or local infection from TPM implantation or from reimplant of a new permanent device. Conclusions: Discharging patients with TPMs is a safe, cost saving, and well-tolerated option for pacemaker dependent individuals while they await reimplant of a new permanent device. The active fix TPM allows for antibiotics to be given at home, opens hospital beds, and relieves pressure to reimplant a permanent device as soon as possible.