Emerging Concepts on Infection of Novel Cardiac Implantable Devices

Novel cardiac devices, including the MitraClip system, occluder devices, leadless pacemakers, and subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillators (S-ICD), are mostly used in the management of patients who are at high risk for surgery and/or developing infections. Several mechanisms render most of these devices resistant to infection, including avoiding long transvenous access and novel manufacturing material. Since subjects who use these devices already endure several comorbid conditions, uncommon cases of device-associated infection could result in serious complications and increased mortality. In this review, we aim to summarize the current state of evidence on the incidence, clinical presentation, management, and prognosis of new cardiac devices' associated infection.