title: Pacemaker dependent patients with device infection--a modified approach.
abstract: A modified surgical concept for temporary cardiac pacing in pacemaker dependent patients requiring total removal of infected devices is presented. Proximal to the infected pocket a permanent bipolar pacing lead is placed transcutaneously into the ipsilateral subclavian or jugular vein. The lead is placed in the right ventricle and fixed into the skin using the suture sleeve. Pacing is established by connecting an external pacing generator. Subsequently the infected device can be removed completely. After wound dressing the externalized lead is connected to a permanent VVI-pacemaker allowing for prolonged temporary pacing.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiac Surgery, Heart Center, University of Leipzig, Herzzentrum Leipzig, Struempellstr. 39, 04289 Leipzig, Germany. rastan@rz.uni-leipzig.de
authors.forename: Ardawan Julian
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Rastan
authors.forename: Nicolas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Doll
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Walther
authors.forename: Friedrich Wilhelm
authors.initials: FW
authors.lastname: Mohr
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery* / Q000628:therapy; D020878:Device Removal / Q000379:methods; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D004866:Equipment Contamination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial; D016459:Prosthesis-Related Infections / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery* / Q000628:therapy; D011859:Radiography