Conservative Management of Skin Fistula Occurring after Internal Cardioverter Defibrillator Replacement

Abstract

Skin fistula occurring after cardiac electronic device implantation is frequently related to pocket infection and this condition typically requires removal of device and lead(s). We report on a case of skin fistula occurring 3 weeks after internal cardioverter defibrillator replacement. Conservative management consisted of local care along with oral antibiotics without removal of device; this strategy resulted in complete healing and closure of the fistula.