title: Importance of complete system removal of infected cardioverter-defibrillators.
abstract: We describe a case of device infection after implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation managed by removal of all hardware except a portion of the epicardial sensing electrodes. Recurrent septic complications developed until all residual foreign material was eliminated. Despite anecdotal reports of successful management without device removal, extraction of all hardware components should be considered standard treatment for this complication.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas 75235-8879, USA.
authors.forename: D H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Mull
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Wait
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Page
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Jessen
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D017577:Cutaneous Fistula / Q000209:etiology; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000601:surgery; D006321:Heart; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000601:surgery*; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000601:surgery*; D013908:Thoracotomy / Q000009:adverse effects