Infections of intracardiac devices.
Intracardiac devices are increasingly used to correct hemodynamically dysfunctional valves and electrophysiologic abnormalities. These devices become infected at relatively low rates. Nevertheless, when these low rates are applied to widely used devices, significant numbers of infections result. Additionally, these infections have been associated with high degrees of morbidity and high mortality rates. This article reviews the epidemiology, microbiology, clinical presentation, and medical as well as surgical therapy of intracardiac device infections.
Karchmer
Adolf W
AW
Division of Infectious Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston. akarchme@caregroup.harvard.edu
Longworth
David L
DL
D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable / Q000009:adverse effects*; D020878:Device Removal; D004697:Endocarditis, Bacterial / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016459:Prosthesis-Related Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy*