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Bacteremia caused by late-infected pacemaker lead--a case report
Osamu Kinoshita1, Jun Amano, Tamaki Takano
1Center of Cardiovascular Disease, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan. kinos@hsp.md.shinshu-u.ac.jp
Angiology
|November 18, 2004
Summary
A transvenous pacemaker electrode infected with Staphylococcus was successfully removed after becoming encased in fibrous tissue. This complex cardiac surgery resolved the persistent bacteremia, preventing recurrence.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- A 73-year-old male patient presented with bradycardia and atrial fibrillation, necessitating transvenous pacemaker implantation.
- The patient later developed persistent bacteremia attributed to coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, resistant to antibiotic therapy.
Observation:
- The infected pacemaker electrode was found to be encased in dense fibrous tissue within the right ventricle and atrium.
- Surgical intervention was required for removal due to the extensive encapsulation.
Findings:
- The infected electrode was successfully removed using cardiopulmonary bypass and direct vision during cardiac arrest.
- The patient experienced an uneventful postoperative recovery.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for late-stage infection and encapsulation of pacemaker electrodes.
- Successful surgical management of infected, encased electrodes is feasible, even in complex cardiac scenarios.
- Effective treatment strategies for device-related infections may involve surgical intervention beyond antibiotic therapy.