Cardiac Device-related Infections Research Articles

Abstract 18561: Trends Among Patients Undergoing Transvenous Lead Extraction: A Single Center Experience

Background: In recent years there has been an increase in cardiac device-related infections and the need for transvenous lead extraction (TLE). Limited data exist on secular trends in baseline characteristics and outcome measures among patients undergoing this high-risk procedure. Objective: To examine secular trends in baseline characteristics and outcomes for patients undergoing lead extraction procedure at our institution. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients undergoing TLE from 2010 to 2021, at a tertiary academic institution. Patients were divided into three epochs (2010-2013, 2014-2017 and 2018-2021). Baseline characteristics in hospital length of stay (LOS) and survival were compared between groups. Results: A total of 794 patients, with a mean age of 64±16 years, were analyzed. 481 (60%) patients had infection as the indication for TLE. On average, 2 ± 1 leads were extracted per patient. The longest lead dwell time was 6.5 ± 4.8 years. Significant progressive increase in baseline comorbidity over time is noted (Table 1). A concomitant increase in infection indication versus lead management was also noted. There was a significant increase in the median hospital LOS across epochs; 3.88 IQR (1.26-10.06) for epoch 1 vs 7.34 IQR (2.25-13.35) for epoch 2, vs 9.06 IQR (5.78-14.05) for epoch 3 (P < 0.0001). While there was no difference in long term survival curves (log rank p =0.4), between group analysis showed higher risk for 30 day [RR 2.24(1.08-4.66) p=0.0306] and 1 year mortality [RR 1.44 (1.004-2.05) p=0.0478] between epoch 3 vs epoch 1. Conclusion: Across epochs, the number of TLE procedures performed decreased while patient morbidity increased with a notable increase in infection indication for the procedure. This corresponded to a progressive increase in hospital LOS and an emergent signal toward increased near-term mortality.

Permanent single-chamber atrial pacing: an obsolete or viable alternative to dual-chamber pacing in selected patients with sinus node disease?

Single atrial stimulation (AAI) has been commonly used for permanent pacing in sick sinus syndrome and significant bradycardia. The study aimed to evaluate long‑term AAI pacing and to identify timing and reasons for pacing mode change. Retrospectively, we included 207 patients (60% women) with initial AAI pacing, who were followed‑up for an average of 12 years. At the time of death or loss to follow‑up, 71 patients (34.3%) had unchanged AAI pacing mode. The reason for an upgrade of the pacing system was development of atrial fibrillation (AF) in 43 patients (20.78%) and atrioventricular block (AVB) in 34 patients (16.4%). The cumulative ratio for a pacemaker upgrade reoperation reached 2.77 per 100 patient‑years of the follow‑up. Cumulative ventricular pacing below 10% after an upgrade to dual‑chamber pacemaker was observed in 28.6% of the patients. Younger age at implant was the leading independent predictor of the change to dual‑chamber simulation (hazard ratio, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.976-1.988; P = 0.001). There were 11 (5%) lead malfunctions that required reoperation. Subclavian vein occlusion was noted in 9 upgrade procedures (11%). One cardiac device-related infection was observed. The reliability of AAI pacing decreases with each year of observation due to development of AF and AVB. However, in the current era of effective AF treatment, the advantages of AAI pacemakers, such as lower incidence of lead malfunction, venous occlusion, and infection, as compared with dual-chamber pacemakers, may make AAI pacemakers a viable option.

1419. Matters of the Heart: A Scoping Review Toward Better Management‌ ‌of‌ Nontuberculous‌ ‌Mycobacterial‌ ‌Infections of‌ Cardiac ‌Devices‌

Abstract Background Medical device infections caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are increasingly reported in the literature. Management is complex and often guided by expert opinion, in the absence of evidence-based guidelines. Methods We searched available databases for reports of‌ implantable‌ cardiac device-related‌ (ICDR) infections with NTM. We collected patient-level characteristics, microbiological, and treatment data, and used univariate analysis to correlate with reported outcome, which we defined as death, treatment failure, relapse after treatment completion, cure, and treatment completion. Results Of 2573 potential eligible articles, 68 articles were included, representing 112 patients. The average patient age was 61 years, and 6% of patients were immunocompromised. Of 12 species reported, 65% were rapid growers, with M. fortuitum most common. Prosthetic heart valves and pacemaker/automatic implantable cardiac devices (AICD) were the most commonly reported infected devices (45% and 37%, respectively). Diagnosis was often delayed, and confirmed with culture (62%, 41% blood cultures) and 16s ribosomal RNA gene sequencing data (14%) of cases. Antimicrobial susceptibility was available in 55% of cases. 70% of patients received >2 antibiotics and, of these, 41% included a macrolide. Devices were removed for 65% of patients, more commonly if the infected deice was a pacemaker or AICD than another type of cardiac device (86% vs 56%, p=0.02). 67% of patients with prosthetic valves underwent valve replacement. Compared with those who did not have their device removed, patients who underwent device removal were less likely to die (23% vs 48%, p=0.02) and more likely to have favorable outcomes (68% vs 28%, p=0.002). Conclusion Reports of ICRD NTM infections were common, and suspicion should be high even for those without immunocompromising condition. Determining outcome was challenging and should be standardized to provide an evidence base for better management. In our analysis, patients who underwent device removal had improved survival, suggesting either that comorbidity precluded device removal and/or that removal may be an essential part of the management. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures.

917 HYBRID TRANSVENOUS AND SURGICAL APPROACH FOR THE EXTRACTION OF CORONARY SINUS LEADS: A CASE SERIES

Abstract Background The rates of cardiac device-related infection have increased substantially over the past years. Transvenous lead extraction is the standard therapy for such cases. In some patients, however, the procedure cannot be completed through the transvenous route alone. A hybrid surgical and transvenous approach may provide the solution in such cases. Methods We present three cases who underwent hybird transvenous and surgical extraction for coronary sinus leads due to infection of CRT-D systems. One patient had an Attain Starfix lead implanted in the coronary sinus. The procedures were performed under local anaesthesia with continuous hemodynamic and transthoracic echocardiographic monitoring. We highlight the characteristics of the patients, the features of the devices, the technical difficulties and the outcomes of the procedures. Results In all cases, the right atrial and right ventricular leads were extracted through the transvenous route. In one patient, they were extracted using regular stylets and manual traction, while in the other two patients, telescoping dilator sheaths (Cook), Tightrail hand-powered mechanical sheaths (Spectranetics) and/or Glidelight Excimer Laser sheaths (Spectranetics) were used. The coronary sinus lead could not be retrieved due to extensive fibrosis after utilizing locking stylets and mechanical dilator sheaths in all 3 cases, in addition to rotational mechanical sheaths and Laser. sheaths in one case, so the so the patients were referred to surgery. Two patients underwent left mini-thoracotomy and one patient underwent midline sternotomy to extract the remaining CS lead. The target vein was identified and ligated, then the fibrosis around the lead was dissected, this was followed by lead retrieval through the surgical incision. The patient who underwent sternotomy suffered from mediastinitis, which required reoperation and mediastinal lavage. There were no complications in the other two patients. All three patients were reimplanted with a new CRT-D device on the contralateral side after the resolution of infection. Conclusion A hybrid surgical and transvenous approach can be complementary in case the transvenous route alone fails to completely extract the coronary sinus lead. The transvenous approach can be used to free the proximal part of the lead, while the distal adhesions can be removed surgically, preferably though a limited thoracic incision.

Transvenous lead extraction in patients with systemic cardiac device–related infection—Procedural outcome and risk prediction: A GALLERY subgroup analysis

Transvenous lead extraction (TLE) has evolved as one of the most crucial treatment options for patients with cardiac device-related systemic infection (CDRSI). The aim of this study was to characterize the procedural outcome and risk factors of patients with CDRSI undergoing TLE. A subgroup analysis of patients with CDRSI of the GALLERY (GermAn Laser Lead Extraction RegistrY) database was performed. Predictors for complications, procedural failure, and all-cause mortality were evaluated. A total of 722 patients (28.6%) in the GALLERY had "systemic infection" as extraction indication. Patients with CDRSI were older (70.1 ± 12.2 years vs 67.3 ± 14.3 years; P < .001) and had more comorbidities than patients with local infections or noninfectious extraction indications. There were no differences in complete procedural success (90.6% vs 91.7%; P = .328) or major complications (2.5% vs 1.9%; P = .416) but increased procedure-related (1.4% vs 0.3%; P = .003) and all-cause in-hospital mortality (11.1% vs 0.6%; P < .001) for patients with CDRSI. Multivariate analyses revealed lead age ≥10 years as a predictor for procedural complications (odds ratio [OR] 3.23; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.58-6.60; P = .001). Lead age ≥10 years (OR 2.57; 95% CI 1.03-6.46; P = .04) was also a predictor for procedural failure. We identified left ventricular ejection fraction <30% (OR 1.70; 95% CI 1.00-2.99; P = .049), age ≥75 years (OR 2.1; 95% CI 1.27-3.48; P = .004), chronic kidney disease (OR 1.92; 95% CI 1.17-3.14; P = .01), and overall procedural complications (OR 5.15; 95% CI 2.44-10.84; P < .001) as predictors for all-cause mortality. Patients with CDRSI undergoing TLE demonstrate an increased rate of all-cause in-hospital, as well as procedure-related mortality, despite having comparable procedural success rates. Given these data, it seems paramount to develop preventive strategies to detect and treat CDRSI in its earliest stages.

Hybrid transvenous and surgical approach for the extraction of coronary sinus leads: A case series.

BackgroundTransvenous lead extraction is the standard therapy for cardiac device‐related infection. In some patients, however, a hybrid surgical and transvenous approach may be necessary.Methods and ResultsWe present three cases who underwent transvenous lead extraction for an infected CRT‐D system. In all cases the CS lead could not be retrieved transvenously due to extensive fibrosis. The lead was successfully extracted through left minithoracotomy in two patients and midline sternotomy in one patient.ConclusionIn cases where the coronary sinus lead shows severe fibrosis, a transvenous approach can be used to free the proximal part of the lead, while the distal adhesions can be removed surgically through a limited thoracic incision.

Risk of cardiac device-related infection in patients with late-onset bloodstream infection. Analysis on a National Cohort

To determine the incidence of cardiac device-related infection (CDRI) among patients with cardiac device (CD) during late-onset bloodstream infection (BSI) and to identify the risk factors associated with CDRI. Patients with a CD (cardiac implantable electronic devices -CIED- and/or prosthetic heart valve -PHV-) and late-onset-BSI (>1 year after the CD implantation/last manipulation) were selected from the PROBAC project, a prospective, observational cohort study including adult patients with bacteraemia consecutively admitted to 26 Spanish hospitals from October 2016 to March 2017. Multivariate analyses using logistic regression were performed to identify the risk factors associated with CDRI. 317 BSI from patients carrying a CD were registered, 187 (56.2%) were late-onset-BSI. A total of 40 (21.4%) CDRI were identified during late-onset-BSI. The CDRI cumulative incidence in Gram-positive-BSI was 41.8% (38/91), with S. aureus, Enterococcus spp. and viridans streptococci showing the greatest percentages: 40% (12/30), 42% (11/26) and 75% (6/8), respectively. Independent predictors of CDRI were an unknown source of infection (OR: 2.88[CI 95%:1.18-7.06], p =0.02), Gram-positive-aetiology (23.1 [5.23-102.1], p<0.001) and persistent bacteraemia (4.81 [1.21-19], p=0.03). In an exploratory analysis, S. aureus (3.99 [1.37-11.65], p=0.011), Enterococcus spp. (5.21 [1.76-15.4], p=0.003) and viridans streptococci (28.7 [4.71-173.5], p<0.001) aetiology were also found to be risk factors for CDRI. CDRI during late-onset-BSI is a frequent phenomenon. Risk of CDRI differs among species, happening in almost half of the Gram-positive-BSI. An unknown source of the primary infection, Gram-positive-aetiology -especially S. aureus, Enterococcus spp. and viridans streptococci-, and persistent bacteraemia were identified as risk factors for CDRI.

Major procedure-related complications in a real-world cohort of patients undergoing transvenous lead extraction

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Transvenous lead extraction (TLE) is the mainstay therapy for device-related infections. Though TLE procedures are associated with low complication and high success rates, risk factors for major procedure-related complications remain not well defined. Purpose To evaluate the safety and efficacy of TLE in a large single centre cohort and to identify risk factors for major complications. Methods All consecutive patients undergoing TLE in our department between May 2012 and December 2021 were included in a prospective registry. Our protocol for TLE followed a stepwise approach according to lead dwell time and estimated complexity of the procedure: use of simple traction ± locking stylet (LS) ± mechanical and/or powered sheaths ± snare technique via a femoral or jugular access. Patient characteristics, procedural data and complications were gathered and analysed. Logistic regression analysis was applied to identify risk factors for major procedure related complications. Results A total of 2218 leads (25.7% ICD leads) were targeted for TLE in 1060 patients (67.7 ± 14.8 years; 74% male). The mean lead dwell time was 82 ± 62 months. The leading indication for TLE was cardiac device related infection (CDRI) in 695 patients (65.6%), 373 (35.2%) had systemic and 322 (30.4%) localized infection. Leads were extracted by simple traction in 30%, traction with LS in 3.7%, dilator sheaths with LS in 47.7%, and additional use of powered mechanical sheaths in 14.6%. The snare technique was used in 3.9%, with additional venous entry from femoral in 3.5% and jugular in 1.0% of all targeted leads. TLE was completely successful in 92.6%, partially successful with lead fragments &amp;lt;4cm in 4.2%, and failed in 3.1% of all patients, which translated to a clinical success rate of 96.9%. Twenty-nine patients (2.7%) experienced minor and 18 patients (1.7%) had major procedure-related complications (cardiac tamponade/perforation) including 2 intraprocedural deaths (0.2%). Presence of abandoned leads (HR 8.41, 95% CI 3.21–22.02; p&amp;lt;0.001), lead-years-per-patient (HR 1.063, 95% CI 1.037–1.090; p&amp;lt;0.001), dwelling time of the oldest lead (HR 1.011, 95% CI 1.006–1.016; p&amp;lt;0.001), and a right-sided implantation (HR 2.68, 95% CI 1.05–6.83; p=0.04) were significant predictors of major complications in logistic regression analysis. Conclusion TLE is feasible, effective and safe in our large single centre experience. Overall complication and failure rates are low. Following our TLE protocol, the presence of abandoned leads, a right-sided implantation and dwelling time of the extracted leads were associated with major procedure-related complications.

Long-term results of conservative treatment of pacemaker pocket site infections.

The increasing frequency of cardiac device use has led to an increase in complication rates. The standard treatment for cardiac device-related infections is removal of the entire pacemaker system and reimplantation from the contralateral side after systemic antibiotherapy. The efficacy of various conservative treatments has been established for many years, but there is conflicting information in the literature regarding long-term efficacy. Our study investigated the long-term efficacy of conservative treatment in patients with pacemaker pocket site infection. In this retrospective study, according to the exclusion criteria, 132 patients were included. Patients were divided into conservative and standard treatment groups. Conservative treatment was considered to be opening the pacemaker pocket capsule, removing all infected and necrotic tissue, cleaning the capsule, and embedding the battery in the prepectoral region in the subpectoral muscle region. The follow-up time was 36 ±12.96 months in the conservative treatment group and 39.6 ±10.8 months in the standard treatment group. During this period, no re-infection at the pacemaker pocket site was observed in either group. Examination of the swab cultures of the patients' pacemaker wounds revealed negative culture results in 15 patients (15 out of 60) in the conservative treatment group. In the standard treatment group, 60 patients (60 out of 72) were culture-negative. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.04). After a rigorous evaluation, conservative treatment is considered effective and safe in the long term in patients with device pocket site infection.

689 Hybrid transvenous and surgical approach for the extraction of coronary sinus leads: a case series

Abstract Aims The rates of cardiac device-related infection have increased substantially over the past years. Transvenous lead extraction is the standard therapy for such cases. In some patients, however, the procedure cannot be completed through the transvenous route alone. A hybrid surgical and transvenous approach may provide the solution in such cases. Methods and results We present three cases who underwent hybird transvenous and surgical extraction for coronary sinus leads due to infection of CRT-D systems. One patient had an Attain Starfix lead implanted in the coronary sinus. The procedures were performed under local anaesthesia with continuous haemodynamic and transthoracic echocardiographic monitoring. We highlight the characteristics of the patients, the features of the devices, the technical difficulties, and the outcomes of the procedures. In all cases, the right atrial and right ventricular leads were extracted through the transvenous route. In one patient, they were extracted using regular stylets and manual traction, while in the other two patients, telescoping dilator sheaths (Cook), Tightrail hand-powered mechanical sheaths (Spectranetics), and/or Glidelight Excimer Laser sheaths (Spectranetics) were used. The coronary sinus lead could not be retrieved due to extensive fibrosis after utilizing locking stylets and mechanical dilator sheaths in all three cases, in addition to rotational mechanical sheaths and laser sheaths in one case, so the patients were referred to surgery. Two patients underwent left mini-thoracotomy and one patient underwent midline sternotomy to extract the remaining CS lead. The target vein was identified and ligated, then the fibrosis around the lead was dissected, this was followed by lead retrieval through the surgical incision. The patient who underwent sternotomy suffered from mediastinitis, which required reoperation and mediastinal lavage. There were no complications in the other two patients. All three patients were reimplanted with a new CRT-D device on the contralateral side after the resolution of infection. Conclusions A hybrid surgical and transvenous approach can be complementary in case the transvenous route alone fails to completely extract the coronary sinus lead. The transvenous approach can be used to free the proximal part of the lead, while the distal adhesions can be removed surgically, preferably though a limited thoracic incision.

606. Implementation of a Telehealth-based OPAT Early Post-Discharge Clinic May Reduce Hospital Readmission

BackgroundRecent studies suggest that early post-discharge follow-up for patients receiving outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) reduces readmission rates. We report our experience implementing a telehealth-based clinic to facilitate early (1-2 week) follow-up for selected OPAT patients perceived to be at high risk for readmission.MethodsWe identified patients who met criteria for and completed a supplemental OPAT telehealth visit following the initial seven months after implementation of this clinic (11/1/20 – 5/31/21). Clinical criteria triggering intake of patients for these visits included: endovascular or cardiac device-related infection; treatment with vancomycin, oxacillin/nafcillin, or aminoglycosides; ≥2 prior hospitalizations within past 1 year; treating Infectious Disease or OPAT team’s subjective assessment of high readmission risk. Patients planned for < 14 days of OPAT therapy were excluded. Categorical variables were compared using a Chi-square test at the α=0.05 level of significance.ResultsA total of 49 patients completed a telehealth visit; mean time from discharge to telehealth visit was 12.1 days (SD +/- 3.9). An intervention was made in 27% of these visits (13 of 49 patients), most commonly involving attempted mitigation of an adverse event or line-related complication (7 cases). The all-cause, 30-day readmission rate for this cohort was 6.1% (3 of 49 patients), while the rate for OPAT patients who did not receive an early telehealth visit during the same period was 22.7% (52 of 229 patients) which was statistically significant (p=0.008). This association of benefit was also found when comparing infection-related, 30-day readmission rates (0% vs 7.4%, p=0.049).ConclusionImplementation of OPAT telehealth encounters for high-risk patients resulted in a high rate of intervention to mitigate adverse events of OPAT therapy. Readmission occurred less than one-third as frequently in the telehealth group compared to patients with no early follow-up visit. Telehealth-based encounters appear comparable in effectiveness to those previously reported utilizing in-person visits, introducing efficiencies that may allow for broader implementation of this intervention.Disclosures Nicolas W. Cortes-Penfield, MD, Nothing to disclose Bryan Alexander, PharmD, Astellas Pharma (Advisor or Review Panel member)

Imaging of Cardiac Device-Related Infection

Cardiac devices are frequently used in different cardiovascular conditions for the purpose of morbidity or mortality prevention. These include cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) like permanent pacemakers and implantable cardiac defibrillators, ventricular assistance devices (VADs), left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) devices like the Watchman™, atrial and ventricular septal occluders like the Amplatzer™, among others. In the past years, there has been an increase in the development of these devices as a result of a rise in the number of indications for implantation, paired with the aging and more medically complex patient population. This has led to an increase in the incidence of cardiac device-related infections, one of the most feared and serious complications which is associated with significant morbidity, mortality and financial burden. Accurate diagnosis of cardiac device-related infections is essential given the management implications which often involve removal of the infected device, removal of other prosthetic material and long-term antimicrobial therapy. Clinical and laboratory data are useful diagnostic tools but multimodality imaging is often necessary. The recently published 2020 European Heart Rhythm Association International Consensus document, which is endorsed by many expert societies, has recommended the use of multimodality imaging for the diagnosis of CIED infections. (1) This allows better disease characterization by identifying abnormal fluid collections and guiding aspiration for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes (i.e. soft tissue ultrasound and computed tomography), evaluation for local extent of disease (i.e. transesophageal echocardiogram to evaluate for concomitant infective endocarditis), embolic manifestation of disease (i.e. computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging) and metabolic tissue characterization (positron emission tomography and tagged white blood cell scan). (2) In addition, computed tomography (CT) allows for pre-procedural planning which has shown to be associated with better procedural outcomes.

Expert opinion of a Working Group on Leadless Pacing appointed by the National Consultant in Cardiology and the Board of the Heart Rhythm Section of the Polish Cardiac Society.

Permanent cardiac pacing is a recognized method of treatment of patients with sick sinus syndrome and/or atrioventricular conduction disturbances. Implantation of a traditional pacing systems with transvenous leads is associated with a risk of complications, such as pneumothorax perforation of cardiac wall or cardiac device related infection. An alternative method that may be used for permanent cardiac pacing is represented by the leadless pacemaker, implanted directly into the target cardiac chamber. Such devices have been implanted in Poland since 2016, but the number of procedures is limited due to the lack of clear reimbursement rules.The expert panel appointed by the National Consultant in Cardiology and the Executive Board of the Heart Rhythm Section of the Polish Cardiac Society presents a statement on the use of a leadless pacemaker in Polish circumstances. The statement contains the description of that method of treatment, results of clinical studies confirming its safety and efficacy, indications and contraindications for its use, and precise requirements to be fulfilled by the implanting centers.

Predictors of major procedure-related complications in transvenous lead extraction

Abstract Background Transvenous lead extraction (TLE) has become the mainstay therapy for device-related infections. Though TLE procedures are associated with low complication and high success rates, risk factors for major procedure-related complications remain not well defined. Purpose To evaluate the safety and efficacy of TLE in a large single centre cohort and to identify risk factors for major complications. Methods All consecutive patients who had undergone TLE in our department between May 2012 and January 2020 were included in a prospective registry. Our protocol for TLE followed a stepwise approach according to lead dwell time and estimated complexity of the procedure: use of simple traction ± locking stylet (LS) ± mechanical and/or powered sheaths ± snare technique. In case of unsuccessful extraction from the venous entry site, femoral or jugular access was approached. Patient characteristics, procedural data and complications were gathered and analysed. Logistic regression analysis was applied to identify risk factors for major procedure-related complications. Results A total of 1717 leads (443 [25.9%] ICD leads) were targeted for TLE in 810 patients (67±15 years; 76% male). The mean lead dwell time was 83±60 months. The leading indication for TLE was cardiac device related infection (CDRI) in 527 patients (65.1%), of whom 273 (51.8%) had systemic and 254 (48.2%) localized infection. Two hundred eighty-three patients (34.9%) underwent TLE for non-CDRI causes. Leads were extracted by simple traction in 28.2%, traction with LS in 4.1%, dilator sheaths with LS in 50.1%, and additional use of powered mechanical sheaths in 13.0%. The snare technique was used in 4.6%. Venous access for TLE was exclusively from the entry site in 94.8%, combined from femoral in 4.0% and jugular in 1.2%. TLE was completely successful in 96.2%, partially successful in 2.1%, and failed in 1.7% of all attempted leads, which translated to a clinical success rate of 96.8%. Eighteen patients (2.2%) experienced minor and 12 patients (1.5%) had major procedure-related complications (cardiac tamponade/perforation) including one intraprocedural death (0.1%) from fulminant pulmonary embolism. Lead-years-per-patient (HR 1.064, 95% CI 1.032–1.096; p&amp;lt;0.001), dwelling time of the oldest lead (HR 1.013, 95% CI 1.007–1.019; p&amp;lt;0.001), and BMI (HR 0.877, 95% CI 0.772–0.997; p=0.020) were significant predictors for major complications in logistic regression analysis. Conclusion TLE is feasible, effective and safe in our large single centre experience. Overall complication and failure rates are low. Following our TLE protocol, dwelling time of the extracted leads and low BMI were associated with major procedure-related complications. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Incidence and causes of in-hospital mortality in cardiac device-related infections

Abstract Introduction Cardiac device-related infections (CDRI) are associated with increased in-hospital mortality despite effective treatment by transvenous lead extraction (TLE) and antibiotic therapy. Data on mortality and causes of death are scarce and predictors of mortality are not well defined. Purpose To analyse the incidence and causes of mortality in CDRI and identify predictors of mortality in a large single centre experience. Methods All patients undergoing TLE for CDRI in our department between May 2012 and January 2020 were included in a prospective registry. Patient characteristics, procedural and follow-up data were collected and analysed. A Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to analyse the influence of different infection types on mortality. Univariate and multivariate cox regression analysis was applied to identify risk factors for mortality. Results Among 561 consecutive patients (72±12 years; 77% male) treated for CDRI (51.2% systemic and 48.8% localized infection), 61 patients (10.9%) died during the index hospitalization. The most frequent cause of death was severe systemic infection or sepsis in 38 patients (6.8%), followed by end-stage heart failure (9; 1.6%), respiratory insufficiency (3; 0.5%), ventricular arrhythmias (3; 0.5%), asystole (2; 0.4%), pulmonary embolism (2; 0.4%), acute enteric ischemia (2; 0.4%), mechanical ileus (1; 0.2%), and unwitnessed sudden death (1; 0.2%). Patients who died had significantly more often systemic infections (p&amp;lt;0.001), positive blood cultures (p&amp;lt;0.001), severe renal dysfunction (GFR &amp;lt;30ml/min; p&amp;lt;0.001), heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF; p=0.001), and diabetes (p=0.004). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed a significantly higher mortality in patients with systemic CDRI as compared to localized infection (log-rank p&amp;lt;0.001). Several factors were predictors of mortality in univariate analysis: systemic infection (HR 4.64, 95% CI 2.18–9.84; p&amp;lt;0.001), GFR &amp;lt;30 ml/min (HR 4.27, 95% CI 2.57–7.09; p&amp;lt;0.001), vegetation in TOE (HR 3.68, 95% CI 1.78–7.43; p&amp;lt;0.001), positive blood cultures (HR 2.52, 95% CI 1.46–4.37; p=0.001), diabetes (HR 1.89, 95% CI 1.12–3.18; p=0.018), HFrEF (HR 1.83, 95% CI 1.09–3.05; p=0.021), tricuspid regurgitation (HR 1.79, 95% CI 1.21–2.65, p=0.004), and days from hospital admission to explant (HR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02–1.06; p&amp;lt;0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed severe renal dysfunction (HR 2.71, 95% CI 1.47–5.00; p=0.001) and days from hospital admission to TLE (HR 1.029, 95% CI 1.004–1.055, p=0.021) as independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. Conclusion In-hospital mortality in CDRI is particularly high in patients with severe systemic infection and sepsis despite state-of the-art treatment. Delayed TLE is associated with an increased in-hospital mortality. Therefore, TLE should be performed early in the course of CDRI, particularly in patients with severe systemic infection. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

COSTS OF INFECTIONS RELATED TO TREATMENT WITH CARDIAC IMPLANTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Treatment with cardiac implantable electronic devices is not free from complications, including infections, which not only influence long term outcome, but also significantly impact healthcare budget. The costs of management of cardiac device related infections ranged from several to tens or even hundreds of thousands euro. A risk of infection varies from 0,5 to 5,0 and more percent and depends on: type of procedure, complexity of system, number of previous procedures performed, renal failure, immunosuppression, heart failure, malignancies, oral anticoagulant treatment, use of temporary pacing before procedure. Based on PADIT trial results infection risk score was established based on 5 parameters (age, type of procedure, renal failure, immunodeficiency, number of previous procedure). This score allows to define population of patients with low, intermediate and high risk to develop infection. In high risk group, despite standard preparation to the procedure, some additional tools should be considered to reduce infection rate. It relates mainly, but is not limited to, device exchange, revisions, up-grades of cardiac resynchronization systems.

Extraction of infected cardiac implantable electronic devices and the need for subsequent re-implantation

BackgroundLittle is known about rates of re-implantation and outcomes of patients not implanted with a device after transvenous lead extraction (TLE) in cardiac device related infections (CDRI). MethodsAll patients with CDRI were included in a prospective registry. After TLE, the indication for re-implantation was evaluated according to the patients' history and most recent cardiac examinations. All patients were followed for complications and mortality. In addition, in patients discharged without device the frequency of device implantations was analyzed. ResultsAmong 302 patients, only 123 (40.7%) met the indication for implantation of the same cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED), 68 (22.5%) received a different device and 111 (36.8%) patients were discharged without CIED. Reimplanted patients were younger (70 ± 11 vs. 73 ± 13 years; p = 0.004), more often male (83 vs. 69%, p = 0.006), had less systemic infection (38 vs. 60%; p < 0.001) and a higher prevalence of complete heart block (28 vs. 7%, p < 0.001). Reasons against re-implantation were: loss of indication (45%), never met indication (27%), patients' preference (17%), persistent infection (8%) and advanced age (3%). During 26 ± 18 months of follow-up, mortality in both groups was similar after adjusting for cofactors (HR 0.79; 95% CI 0.49–1.29; p = 0.352). ConclusionMore than one third of patients undergoing TLE for CDRI in our study are not implanted with a new device. Careful evaluation of the initial CIED indication allows for detection of over treated patients and may avoid unnecessary device–related complications.

Risk factors for cardiac device-related infection during two-year follow-up: a retrospective analysis

Risk factors for cardiac device-related infection during two-year follow-up: a retrospective analysis

Dual-site right ventricular pacing in patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy: Results of a multicenter propensity-matched analysis.

Dual-site right ventricular pacing (Dual RV) has been proposed as an alternative for patients with heart failure undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) with a failure to deliver a coronary sinus (CS) lead. Only short-term hemodynamic and echocardiographic results of Dual RV are available. We aimed to assess the long-term results of Dual RV and its impact on survival. Multicenter retrospective assessment of all CRT implants during a 12-year period. Patients with failed CS lead implantation, treated with Dual RV, were followed and assessed for the primary endpoint of all-cause mortality and/or heart transplant. A control group was obtained from contemporary patients using propensity matching for all available baseline variables. Ninety-three patients were implanted with Dual RV devices and compared with 93 matched controls. During a median of 1,273 days (interquartile range 557-2,218), intention-to-treat analysis showed that all-cause mortality and/or heart transplant was higher in the Dual RV group (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]=1.66, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12-2.47, P=0.012). As-treated analysis yielded similar results (HR=1.97, 95% CI 1.31-2.96, P=0.001). Cardiac device-related infections occurred seven times more frequently in the Dual RV site group (HR=7.60, 95% CI 1.51-38.33, P=0.014). Among Dual RV nonresponders, four had their apical leads switched off, five required an epicardial LV lead insertion, a transseptal LV lead was implanted in two, and in nine patients, after reviewing the CS venogram, a new CS lead insertion was successfully attempted. Dual RV pacing is associated with worse clinical outcomes and higher complication rates than conventional CRT.

The Risk of Cardiac Device-Related Infection in Bacteremic Patients Is Species Specific: Results of a 12-Year Prospective Cohort.

BackgroundThe species-specific risk of cardiac device-related infection (CDRI) among bacteremic patients is incompletely understood.MethodsWe conducted a prospective cohort study of hospitalized patients from October 2002 to December 2014 with a cardiac device (CD) and either Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) or Gram-negative bacteremia (GNB). Cardiac devices were defined as either prosthetic heart valves (PHVs), including valvular support rings, permanent pacemakers (PPMs)/automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillators (AICDs), or left ventricular assist devices (LVADs).ResultsDuring the study period, a total of 284 patients with ≥1 CD developed either SAB (n = 152 patients) or GNB (n = 132 patients). Among the 284 patients, 150 (52.8%) had PPMs/AICDs, 72 (25.4%) had PHVs, 4 (1.4%) had LVADs, and 58 (20.4%) had >1 device present. Overall, 54.6% of patients with SAB and 16.7% of patients with GNB met criteria for definite CDRI (P < .0001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that 3 bacterial species were associated with an increased risk for CDRI: Staphylococcus aureus (odds ratio [OR] = 5.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.16–14.36), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (OR = 50.28; 95% CI, 4.16–606.93), and Serratia marcescens (OR = 7.75; 95% CI, 1.48–40.48).ConclusionsRisk of CDRI among patients with bacteremia varies by species. Cardiac device-related infection risk is highest in patients with bacteremia due to S aureus, P aeruginosa, or S marcescens. By contrast, it is lower in patients with bacteremia due to other species of Gram-negative bacilli. Patients with a CD who develop bacteremia due to either P aeruginosa or S marcescens should be considered for diagnostic imaging to evaluate for the presence of CDRI.