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The infected pacemaker pocket
Abstract:
Between January, 1963, and September, 1978, a total of 1,789 pacemakers were implanted at Henry Ford Hospital. Infection at the site of implantation developed in 19 instances for an incidence of 1.06 percent. The most common organism cultured was Staphylococcus epidermidis, and conservative treatment was successful with these patients. In all patients with organisms other than Staphylococcus epidermidis, reimplantation of a new unit in a new, clean site was required.
Insights
Pacemaker implantation site infections occurred in 1.06% of 1,789 patients. Staphylococcus epidermidis infections responded to conservative treatment, while other organisms required new pacemaker reimplantation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Surgical Site Infections
Background:
- Pacemaker implantation is a common procedure.
- Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a potential complication.
- Understanding infection rates and causative organisms is crucial for patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of pacemaker implantation site infections.
- To identify the microorganisms responsible for these infections.
- To evaluate treatment outcomes based on the causative organism.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 1,789 pacemaker implantations performed between January 1963 and September 1978.
- Analysis of infection development, incidence rates, and microbiological cultures.
- Correlation of treatment strategies with patient outcomes.
Main Results:
- A total of 19 infections (1.06%) were identified among 1,789 pacemaker implantations.
- Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most frequently isolated organism.
- Patients infected with S. epidermidis achieved successful outcomes with conservative management.
- Infections caused by other microorganisms necessitated device reimplantation in a new surgical site.
Conclusions:
- Pacemaker implantation site infections are infrequent but serious complications.
- The predominant organism, Staphylococcus epidermidis, can often be managed non-surgically.
- Alternative pathogens require more aggressive treatment, including reimplantation, to resolve infection and ensure device function.