Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Sterile Pericarditis in Aachener Minipigs As a Model for Atrial Myopathy and Atrial Fibrillation
08:56

Sterile Pericarditis in Aachener Minipigs As a Model for Atrial Myopathy and Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: September 24, 2021

Pacemaker infections: a 10-year experience

Andrei Catanchin1, Challon J Murdock, Eugene Athan

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Barwon Health (Geelong Hospital), Geelong, Vic. 3220, Australia. andrei.catanchin@gmail.com

Heart, Lung & Circulation
|April 11, 2007
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Pacemaker and defibrillator infections occur at a 1.6% rate, with subsequent procedures significantly increasing infection risk. Early detection and management are crucial for patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Medical Device Technology

Background:

  • Device infection is a significant complication following pacemaker and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (PPM/ICD) implantation.
  • This study reports the experience and outcomes of PPM/ICD infections in an Australian regional center.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the incidence, characteristics, management, and outcomes of PPM/ICD infections.
  • To identify risk factors associated with PPM/ICD infections.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 39 PPM/ICD infection cases over a ten-year period (1994-2004).
  • Comparison of infection data with overall device insertion data.
  • Examination of patient demographics, procedural history, clinical presentation, microbiological findings, management strategies, and patient outcomes.

Main Results:

  • The overall PPM/ICD infection rate was 1.6% (endocarditis 0.3%).
  • Patients undergoing multiple procedures had a significantly higher risk of infection (OR=4.7).
  • Staphylococci, particularly Staphylococcus aureus, were the most common pathogens identified.

Conclusions:

  • The incidence of PPM/ICD infection in this cohort was 1.6%.
  • Performing a second or subsequent procedure increased the risk of infection nearly fivefold.
  • Prompt diagnosis and intervention are essential for managing PPM/ICD infections and improving patient outcomes.

More Related Videos

Translational Rabbit Model of Chronic Cardiac Pacing06:14

Translational Rabbit Model of Chronic Cardiac Pacing

Published on: January 6, 2023

Tachycardia-Induced Cardiomyopathy As a Chronic Heart Failure Model in Swine10:08

Tachycardia-Induced Cardiomyopathy As a Chronic Heart Failure Model in Swine

Published on: February 17, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Endocarditis I: Introduction01:25

Endocarditis I: Introduction

Introduction:Endocarditis is the infection of the endocardium, the inner lining of the heart and its valves. When the heart muscle is involved, the condition is termed myocarditis, while an infection of the outer lining is called pericarditis. Infective endocarditis (IE) primarily affects the endocardium, where pathogens adhere to the valves or lining, forming vegetation that can lead to severe complications. Infective endocarditis occurs when microorganisms, usually bacteria from other body...
Endocarditis III: Medical Management01:18

Endocarditis III: Medical Management

Infective endocarditis management involves a multifaceted approach encompassing infection prevention, lifestyle modifications, pharmacological therapy, and surgical management.Infection Prevention:Hand Hygiene: Thorough handwashing is crucial to prevent the spread of infection. Hand hygiene should be performed regularly, especially before and after using the restroom.Oral Hygiene: Good oral hygiene is essential. It includes brushing teeth immediately after waking up and before bed, flossing...
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis01:25

Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis

Endocarditis can present various clinical features depending on the causative organism and the patient's underlying health conditions. Initially, the clinical features of infective endocarditis develop gradually, presenting with nonspecific symptoms that can be easily mistaken for other illnesses.General SymptomsEarly symptoms of infective endocarditis are fever, chills, weakness, malaise, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms reflect the systemic nature of the infection and the body's...
Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management01:29

Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a chronic infection of the heart's endocardium, primarily affecting the heart valves. A detailed nursing assessment for a patient with IE involves collecting subjective and objective data to ensure an accurate diagnosis and timely intervention.Subjective DataThe nurse gathers information about the patient's symptoms and complaints during the subjective assessment. Patients with infective endocarditis often report non-specific symptoms that can mimic other...
Pericarditis I: Introduction01:22

Pericarditis I: Introduction

Pericarditis is defined as the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin, sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. This condition can cause significant chest pain and other symptoms, often necessitating medical intervention. The pericardium has two layers: the inner visceral layer and the outer parietal layer, separated by a small amount of fluid that reduces friction during heartbeats.Types of PericarditisPericarditis can be classified into several types based on the duration and nature of the...
Pulse rhythm01:30

Pulse rhythm

Pulse rhythm refers to the pattern of pulsations within specific intervals, offering valuable insights into the regularity or irregularity of the heart's beats as observed through the pattern of pulsation within specific intervals. A regular pulse exhibits a consistent heart rate with uniform waveforms and pulsation force, variations of which can be classified as normal, weak, or bounding.
Conversely, an irregular pulse pattern is termed dysrhythmia, stemming from disruptions in cardiac muscle...