Late-Onset Infection in a Leadless Pacemaker

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Medical Device Technology

Background:

• Leadless pacemakers (LPM) are increasingly used for cardiac rhythm management.
• Infection is a known complication of cardiac implantable electronic devices, though rare for LPMs.
• Existing literature reports LPM infections occurring within one month of implantation.

Observation:

• This case report describes a patient with a history of high-risk factors for infection.
• The patient presented with symptoms suggestive of infection almost two years post-LPM implantation.
• This represents a significantly delayed onset compared to previously reported cases.

Findings:

• The first documented case of late-onset leadless pacemaker infection is presented.
• The infection occurred approximately 24 months after the initial device implantation.
• This finding challenges the established timeline for LPM-related infections.

Implications:

• Late-onset infections should be considered in the differential diagnosis for patients with LPMs presenting with delayed symptoms.
• Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms and risk factors for late-onset LPM infections.
• This case highlights the importance of long-term device monitoring and patient follow-up.