Cardiac implantable electronic device infections: facts, current practice, and the unanswered questions

Over the last 2 decades, there has been a surge in newly implanted cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). This is largely due to the increasing indications for these devices and their role in improving both survival and quality of life among certain groups of patients with heart disease. However, the net benefit of these devices is affected by adverse events and complications. CIED infection is one of these complications that increase morbidity and mortality. Patients with CIED infection can present with pocket infection or endovascular infection. Management usually involves CIED removal and antibiotic therapy. Despite its importance, many questions remain unanswered. Longitudinal studies and randomized clinical trials are needed to better define risk factors for CIED infections and outcomes and to help assess best practices to prevent this complication.