Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 4, 2026
Sterile Pericarditis in Aachener Minipigs As a Model for Atrial Myopathy and Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: September 24, 2021
Aging might increase the incidence of infection from permanent pacemaker implantation
Yun Lin1, Zhi Zhong Li1, Jingmei Zhang1
1Department of Cardiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100029, China ; The Key Laboratory of Remodeling-Related Cardiovascular Diseases, Capital Medical University, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100029, China ; Beijing Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Vessel Disease, Beijing 100029, China.
Aim:
The elderly are the major population receiving the implantation of a permanent pacemaker (PPM). Infection is a devastating complication. The present study is to verify the relationship between age and PPM implantation infection.
Methods:
All patients (162 adult and 292 elder patients) received the implantation of PPM. Subcutaneous tissue samples solution was collected in three time points, the first sample was got at skin incision, and the second sample was got when the PPM had been implanted. And the third sample was got after 0.9% NaCl quick rinse. And the tissue solutions were cultured. If culture results are positive, it is considered as evidence of the presence of bacteria in pocket in operation of PPM implantation.
Results:
The data demonstrated that compared with that in the adult patients, subcutaneous bacterial survival rate was higher significantly in the elderly. Staphylococcus epidermidis is the major bacterial strain. The rinse decreased subcutaneous bacterial survival rates in the adult group.
Conclusion:
With the age increasing, PPM implantation might be easier to result in infection. Simple rinse can prevent implantation infection significantly. However, age alleviated the protective effects of rinse. Therefore, we should pay more attention to post implantation infection in the elderly.
Insights
Elderly patients have a higher risk of permanent pacemaker (PPM) infection. While rinsing reduces bacteria, its effectiveness diminishes with age, necessitating increased vigilance in older individuals.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation is common in the elderly.
- Infection following PPM implantation is a serious complication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between patient age and the incidence of PPM implantation infection.
- To assess the impact of age on bacterial presence and survival in the implantation site.
Main Methods:
- Cultured subcutaneous tissue samples from adult and elderly patients undergoing PPM implantation.
- Samples were collected at skin incision, post-implantation, and after saline rinse.
- Bacterial presence was determined by positive culture results.
Main Results:
- Subcutaneous bacterial survival rates were significantly higher in elderly patients compared to adults.
- Staphylococcus epidermidis was the predominant bacterial strain identified.
- Saline rinsing reduced bacterial survival in adult patients but was less effective in the elderly.
Conclusions:
- Increasing age is associated with a higher risk of PPM implantation infection.
- While saline rinsing can decrease bacterial load, its protective effect is attenuated in older individuals.
- Enhanced post-implantation infection surveillance and prevention strategies are crucial for the elderly population.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
01:29Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management
01:19The Effect of Aging on Tissues
01:15Drug Dosing: Geriatric Patients
01:00Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Distribution
01:18Endocarditis III: Medical Management