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Biofilm on artificial pacemaker: fiction or reality?
Ana Paula Azevedo Santos1, Evandro Watanabe, Denise de Andrade
1Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil.
Arquivos Brasileiros De Cardiologia
|December 23, 2011
Summary
Cardiac pacemaker infections pose risks, with Staphylococcus species frequently implicated. Complete pacemaker removal is recommended for suspected biofilm infections, though antibiotic prophylaxis remains debated.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Cardiac pacemakers are vital for treating arrhythmias.
- Pacemaker implantation carries risks of early or late complications, including infections.
- Biofilm formation on devices is a significant concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review scientific evidence on infection and biofilm risks with cardiac pacemakers.
- To synthesize findings on diagnosis, complications, and therapy of pacemaker-associated infections.
Main Methods:
- Integrative literature review.
- Analysis of 14 publications.
- Thematic categorization into diagnosis, complications, and therapy.
Main Results:
- Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus were the most common pathogens.
- Incidence of infection could not be determined due to prevalence-focused studies.
- Complete pacemaker removal is the primary therapy for suspected biofilm infections.
Conclusions:
- Infection and biofilm formation are significant risks associated with cardiac pacemakers.
- Effective diagnosis and treatment strategies are crucial.
- The role of antibiotic prophylaxis requires further investigation.
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