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Published on: February 28, 2012
Infections after high-voltage cardiac implantable electronic device replacements
Rasmus Langhoff1, Amar Taha2,3, Peter Raivio2,4
1Helsinki University, Helsinki, Finland.
Heart Rhythm O2
|May 25, 2026
Summary
Device infections after high-voltage cardiac device replacement are a concern. Rigorous application of guideline-based prevention measures can maintain low infection rates, ensuring patient safety.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Device Technology
Background:
- Device infection is a significant complication following cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) replacement.
- High-voltage devices, such as implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) and cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators (CRT-Ds), carry the highest risk of infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate contemporary infection rates after ICD and CRT-D generator replacement.
- To examine periprocedural approaches and their impact on infection rates in CIED replacement.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective analysis of 298 transvenous ICD and CRT-D replacements at two university hospitals (2021-2023).
- Data on baseline, clinical, and procedural factors were extracted from electronic medical records.
- Infection risk was assessed using the Prevention of Arrhythmia Device Infection Trial (PADIT) score.
Main Results:
- A total of 3 procedure-related infections were documented over a mean follow-up of 24.6 months, resulting in a 1.0% infection rate.
- All patients received antibiotic prophylaxis; antibacterial envelopes were used in 51.3% of cases.
- No significant difference in infection rates was observed between the two centers, despite variations in antimicrobial envelope use among high-risk patients.
Conclusions:
- The incidence of procedure-related infections after high-voltage CIED replacement can be effectively minimized.
- Rigorous adherence to guideline-based infection prevention strategies is crucial for maintaining low infection rates.
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