Infection risk factor for cardiac implantable devices

Abstract

Each year, 1.2-1.4 million devices such as pacemakers, cardioverter-defibrillators and devices with the resynchronization function are implanted, and for some time also electrodes for stimulating the His bundle or the left bundle branch. One of the most serious complications of electrotherapy is infections of implantable systems (CIED infection). Knowing the risk factors give the option to choose other therapies and reduce the risk of infection. Important patient-related factors include: diabetes, heart and/or kidney failure or dysfunction, COPD, the presence of neoplastic disease and use of anticoagulation in the short term before the procedure. According to the research, the number of treatments performed in the implanting centre and by the operator, as well as the number of electrodes, the method of preparing the operating field, or the method of inserting the electrodes, also seems to be important in the development of CIED infection. It is better to prevent the infection than to cure it, as possible complications can be deadly for the patient and costly for the health system.