Evaluation of infections associated with implantable cardiac electronic devices: 10 years of experience in a single center

Abstract

PurposeCardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) is used increasingly in recent years. In this study, it is aimed to evaluate the frequency of CIED-associated infections in the cardiology clinic of our hospital in the last 10 years, the causative microorganisms by determining their risk factors and clinical characteristics. Materials and methods225 patients who underwent CIED implantation in our hospital's cardiology clinic between March 2009 and December 2019 were retrospectively identified. The patients were grouped as with and without CIED-associated infection. ResultsIn a period of approximately 10 years, the rate of CIED infection was determined as 4.8%. 9 of the patients (81.8%) had CIED infection after the first implantation, and 2 of the patients (18.2%) after replacement. When the groups with and without CIED infection were compared; there was no significant difference in the group with CIED infection compared to the control group in terms of age, gender, type of the device inserted and the way of placing the device (implantation/replacement). Comparing risk factors between CIED infection and control group, there is no significant difference in terms of diabetes mellitus (DM), congestive heart failure, renal failure, hypertension, dyslipidemia, malignancy, immunosuppression. The use of anticoagulation was found statistically significant. ConclusionsCIED infections occur clinically with increased morbidity and mortality due to factors related to the patient and/or the type of device implanted. Knowing the patient's comorbid conditions well and taking precautions before CIED implantation can contribute to the reduction of the CIED infections.