Antibiotics and Antiseptics to Prevent Infection in Cardiac Rhythm Management Device Implantation Surgery

Reduced incidence of CIED infections with peri- and post-operative antibiotic use in CRT-P/D and ICD procedures

Higher cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infection incidence has been observed with cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemaker/defibrillator (CRT-P/D) and implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) devices compared to traditional pacemakers with a 1.2% rate reported at 1 year. CIED infection management has high morbidity/mortality. A previous study from this institution demonstrated significantly reduced CIED infection rate when peri/post-operative antibiotics were given for traditional pacemaker procedures. The present study examines CIED infection incidence following peri/post-operative antibiotics during CRT-P/D and ICD procedures. All patients who underwent CRT-P/D and ICD procedures from 1996 to 2015 received IV cephalexin/clindamycin pre- and 8-hours post-procedure followed by 5 days of oral therapy. There were 427 procedures (CRT-P = 146 (34.2%); CRT-D = 142 (33.3%); ICD = 139 (32.6%)). Mean age at time of procedure was 61.6 years. Mean follow-up duration was 4.26 years. CIED infection occurred in 6 patients (ICD = 4, CRT-P = 1, CRT-D = 1), amounting to a rate of 4.96/1000 device-years in total. Times to CIED infection from procedure were: 1.7, 3.5, 6.7, 7.3, 7.9 and 9.2 years. Five out of 6 infections occurred in patients with repeat procedures. This study demonstrates that administration of peri- followed by post-operative antibiotics during CRT-P/D and ICD procedures is associated with a very low rate of CIED infection. This rate of 4.96 infections per 1000 device-years compares favorably to contemporary rates of 8.9 infections per 1000 device-years. Most CIED infections occur late and well-beyond the 1-year follow-up of the Prevention of Arrhythmia Device Infection Trial, the largest trial on this question. This approach should be considered pending a definitive trial.

Complications in Device Therapy: Spectrum, Prevalence, and Management

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Cardiac implantable electronic device implant numbers are continually increasing due to the expanding indications and ageing population. This review explores the complications associated with device therapy and discusses ways to minimise and manage such complications.

RECENT FINDINGS

Complications related to device therapy contribute to mortality and morbidity. Recent publications have detailed clear guidelines for appropriate cardiac device selection, as well as consensus documents discussing care quality and optimal implantation techniques. There have also been advances in device technologies that may offer alternative options to patients at high risk of/or already having encountered a complication. Adherence to guidelines, appropriate training, and selection of device, in addition to good surgical technique are key in reducing the burden of complications and improving acceptability of device therapy.

Peri-Operative Prophylaxis in Patients of Neonatal and Pediatric Age Subjected to Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery: A RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method Consensus Study

Surgical site infections (SSIs) represent a potential complication of surgical procedures, with a significant impact on mortality, morbidity, and healthcare costs. Patients undergoing cardiac surgery and thoracic surgery are often considered patients at high risk of developing SSIs. This consensus document aims to provide information on the management of peri-operative antibiotic prophylaxis for the pediatric and neonatal population undergoing cardiac and non-cardiac thoracic surgery. The following scenarios were considered: (1) cardiac surgery for the correction of congenital heart disease and/or valve surgery; (2) cardiac catheterization without the placement of prosthetic material; (3) cardiac catheterization with the placement of prosthetic material; (4) implantable cardiac defibrillator or epicardial pacemaker placement; (5) patients undergoing ExtraCorporal Membrane Oxygenation; (6) cardiac tumors and heart transplantation; (7) non-cardiac thoracic surgery with thoracotomy; (8) non-cardiac thoracic surgery using video-assisted thoracoscopy; (9) elective chest drain placement in the pediatric patient; (10) elective chest drain placement in the newborn; (11) thoracic drain placement in the trauma setting. This consensus provides clear and shared indications, representing the most complete and up-to-date collection of practice recommendations in pediatric cardiac and thoracic surgery, in order to guide physicians in the management of the patient, standardizing approaches and avoiding the abuse and misuse of antibiotics.

Preoperative checklist to reduce the risk of cardiac implantable electronic device infections

Cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infection represents a dramatic event with a high mortality rate (>3x) despite antibiotic therapy and device extraction; therefore, the real winning strategy in this situation could be represented by prevention. Antibiotic prophylaxis and antibiotic-releasing envelope are effective in improving patient outcome; however, healthcare costs related to CIED infections remain high over the years. In this review we would keep the attention on a pre-surgical checklist to reduce the risk of CIED infections. In fact, checklist is an effective instrument for medical care quality improvement mainly used in surgery, but not very commonly in cath-lab and electrophysiology procedures. All steps of this checklist are of proven effectiveness in reducing the risk of CIED infections but, up till now, they are not considered together in a pre-surgical approach. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Adherence to antimicrobial prophylaxis guidelines in cardiac implantable electronic device procedures in two Australian teaching hospitals

Objective This study investigated antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) guideline adherence and the cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infection rate in two major Australian public teaching hospitals. Methods In a retrospective observational study, the medical records of patients who underwent CIED procedures between January and December 2017 were reviewed (Hospital A, n = 400 procedures; Hospital B, n = 198 procedures). Adherence to AP guidelines was assessed regarding drug, dose, timing, route and frequency. Infection was identified using follow-up documentation. Results AP was administered in 582 of 598 procedures (97.3%). Full guideline adherence was observed in 33.9% of procedures (203/598) and differed significantly between Hospitals A and B (47.3% vs 7.1%, respectively; P < 0.001). Common reasons for non-adherence were the timing of administration (42.3% vs 60.6% non-adherent in Hospitals A and B, respectively; P < 0.001) and repeat dosing (19.3% vs 78.8% non-adherent in Hospitals A and B, respectively; P < 0.001). Twenty infections were identified over 626.6 patient-years of follow-up (mean (±s.d.) follow-up 1.0 ± 0.3 years). The infection rate was 3.19 per 100 patient-years (P = 0.99 between hospitals). Two devices were removed due to infection; no patients died from CIED infection. Conclusions Although the rate of serious CIED infection was low, there was evidence of highly variable and suboptimal antibiotic use, and potential overuse of AP. What is known about the topic? Previous Australian studies have revealed high rates of inappropriate surgical AP. CIED infections are potentially life threatening, but can be avoided through effective use of AP. However, prolonged durations of AP in this setting may also result in complications, including Clostridioides difficile infection. What does this paper add? This study, the first to our knowledge to focus specifically on adherence to Australian guidelines for AP in CIED procedures, highlighted several common issues between AP in this setting and surgical and procedural AP more broadly. 'Early' and 'late' dose administration and extended post-procedural AP were common. Only 34% of prescriptions fully adhered to the guidelines; practices varied significantly between the two hospitals. What are the implications for practitioners? There is a clear need for institution-specific antimicrobial stewardship strategies to optimise AP in CIED procedures, aligned with the Antimicrobial Stewardship Clinical Care Standard. Patients are being placed at potentially avoidable risk of both complications of extended durations of AP and CIED infection, although the rate of serious CIED infection was low. A standardised approach to surveillance of CIED infections and prospective multisite audits of AP in CIED procedures using a validated tool, such as the Surgical National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey, are recommended to better inform evidence-based practice. Potential strategies to optimise guideline adherence include prescribing support in patients with immediate penicillin hypersensitivity or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonisation, optimising the in-patient location of drug administration to promote timely dosing, limiting inappropriate post-procedural prophylaxis and routine S. aureus screening and decolonisation.

Avoiding implant complications in cardiac implantable electronic devices: what works?

Nearly one in ten patients experience complications in relation to cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) implantations. CIED complications have serious implications for the patients and for the healthcare system. In light of the rising rates of new implants and consistent rate of complications, primary prevention remains a major concern. To guide future efforts, we sought to review the evidence base underlying common preventive actions made during a primary CIED implantation.

European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) international consensus document on how to prevent, diagnose, and treat cardiac implantable electronic device infections-endorsed by the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS), the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS), the Latin American Heart Rhythm Society (LAHRS), International Society for Cardiovascular Infectious Diseases (ISCVID) and the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) in collaboration with the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS)

Pacemakers, implantable cardiac defibrillators, and cardiac resynchronization therapy devices are potentially life-saving treatments for a number of cardiac conditions, but are not without risk. Most concerning is the risk of a cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infection, which is associated with significant morbidity, increased hospitalizations, reduced survival, and increased healthcare costs. Recommended preventive strategies such as administration of intravenous antibiotics before implantation are well recognized. Uncertainties have remained about the role of various preventive, diagnostic, and treatment measures such as skin antiseptics, pocket antibiotic solutions, anti-bacterial envelopes, prolonged antibiotics post-implantation, and others. Guidance on whether to use novel device alternatives expected to be less prone to infections and novel oral anticoagulants is also limited, as are definitions on minimum quality requirements for centres and operators and volumes. Moreover, an international consensus document on management of CIED infections is lacking. The recognition of these issues, the dissemination of results from important randomized trials focusing on prevention of CIED infections, and observed divergences in managing device-related infections as found in an European Heart Rhythm Association worldwide survey, provided a strong incentive for a 2019 International State-of-the-art Consensus document on risk assessment, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of CIED infections.

European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) international consensus document on how to prevent, diagnose, and treat cardiac implantable electronic device infections-endorsed by the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS), the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS), the Latin American Heart Rhythm Society (LAHRS), International Society for Cardiovascular Infectious Diseases (ISCVID) and the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) in collaboration with the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS)

Pacemakers, implantable cardiac defibrillators, and cardiac resynchronization therapy devices are potentially life-saving treatments for a number of cardiac conditions, but are not without risk. Most concerning is the risk of a cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infection, which is associated with significant morbidity, increased hospitalizations, reduced survival, and increased healthcare costs. Recommended preventive strategies such as administration of intravenous antibiotics before implantation are well recognized. Uncertainties have remained about the role of various preventive, diagnostic, and treatment measures such as skin antiseptics, pocket antibiotic solutions, anti-bacterial envelopes, prolonged antibiotics post-implantation, and others. Guidance on whether to use novel device alternatives expected to be less prone to infections and novel oral anticoagulants is also limited, as are definitions on minimum quality requirements for centres and operators and volumes. Moreover, an international consensus document on management of CIED infections is lacking. The recognition of these issues, the dissemination of results from important randomized trials focusing on prevention of CIED infections, and observed divergences in managing device-related infections as found in an European Heart Rhythm Association worldwide survey, provided a strong incentive for a 2019 International State-of-the-art Consensus document on risk assessment, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of CIED infections.

European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) international consensus document on how to prevent, diagnose, and treat cardiac implantable electronic device infections-endorsed by the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS), the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS), the Latin American Heart Rhythm Society (LAHRS), International Society for Cardiovascular Infectious Diseases (ISCVID), and the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) in collaboration with the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS)

Pacemakers, implantable cardiac defibrillators, and cardiac resynchronization therapy devices are potentially lifesaving treatments for a number of cardiac conditions but are not without risk. Most concerning is the risk of a cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infection, which is associated with significant morbidity, increased hospitalizations, reduced survival, and increased health care costs. Recommended preventive strategies such as administration of intravenous antibiotics before implantation are well-recognized. Uncertainties have remained about the role of various preventive, diagnostic, and treatment measures such as skin antiseptics, pocket antibiotic solutions, antibacterial envelopes, prolonged antibiotics post-implantation, and others. When compared with previous guidelines or consensus statements, the present consensus document gives guidance on the use of novel device alternatives, novel oral anticoagulants, antibacterial envelopes, prolonged antibiotics post-implantation, as well as definitions on minimum quality requirements for centres and operators and volumes. The recognition that an international consensus document focused on management of CIED infections is lacking, the dissemination of results from new important randomized trials focusing on prevention of CIED infections, and observed divergences in managing device-related infections as found in an European Heart Rhythm Association worldwide survey, provided a strong incentive for a Novel 2019 International State-of-the-art Consensus document on risk assessment, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of CIED infections.

Strategies for Prevention of Surgical Site Infection in Patients With CIED Implantation: A Literature Review

In the last several years a stable increase in cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) implantation has been seen, mainly because of the expanded indications for their usage. An important complication of CIED implantation is possible postprocedural infection (pocket or systemic), which is connected with high morbidity and mortality rates and carries a significant financial cost to the health systems. Although this complication is not that frequent (ranging from 1% to over 5% in different studies), it is associated with a significant burden to patients, clinicians, and the healthcare system and because of that attention should be placed on the prevention of the infection. In this article, we collected and summarized the information and data available, directly related to the problem of prevention of CIED infection. The results of different studies and guidelines, regarding prevention with antibiotics, antiseptics, and the usage of antibacterial envelopes are analyzed. Perspective is put on the new technology of using antibacterial envelopes for prevention of infections. The aim of this paper is to review the various infection prevention techniques and to highlight the most beneficial ones according to guidelines and worldwide studies.

Postoperative Antibiotic Prophylaxis Following Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device Placement

Infections related to cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) placement are associated with poor clinical outcomes. As such, preprocedural prophylactic antibiotic therapy is indicated for all patients prior to device insertion. However, the available data are less clear on the impact of postprocedural antibiotic therapy on rates of CIED infection when used in addition to preprocedural therapy. This is single-center, retrospective cohort study of 913 patients who underwent CIED-related procedures between October 2010 and August 2014 sought to compare the rate of CIED infections in patients receiving only preprocedural antibiotics with those receiving both preprocedural and postprocedural antibiotics. Univariate analysis was used to detect independent risk factors for CIED infection. After excluding patients receiving concomitant antibiotics for other conditions, those undergoing CIED extraction alone, and those with a lack of follow-up data and/or adequate documentation of clinical encounters, 569 patients were identified for inclusion in the final analysis. The majority of patients who received postprocedural antibiotics received three to five days of therapy, with the most common antibiotic used being cephalexin. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of infection between patients who did and did not receive postoperative antibiotics (4.5% versus 6.1%; p = 0.398). In a multivariate analysis, the use of postprocedural antibiotic therapy was not a significant risk factor for infection (adjusted odds ratio: 0.692; 95% confidence interval: 0.314–1.525; p = 0.361). It is therefore reasonable to withhold prescribing postoperative antibiotics in patients following CIED implantation. Individualized risk factor evaluation of patient comorbidities and procedural characteristics may be needed to aid in determining whether postoperative antibiotics are reasonable in different patients. The validity of these findings is contingent on further confirmation via a prospective, randomized clinical trial.

Prolonged antimicrobial prophylaxis following cardiac device procedures increases preventable harm: insights from the VA CART program

BACKGROUND

The rate of cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) infection is increasing coincident with an increase in the number of device procedures. Preprocedural antimicrobial prophylaxis reduces CIED infections; however, there is no evidence that prolonged postprocedural antimicrobials additionally reduce risk. Thus, we sought to quantify the harms associated with this approach.

OBJECTIVE

To measure the association between Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), acute kidney injury (AKI) and receipt of prolonged postprocedural antimicrobials.

METHODS

CIED procedures entered into the VA Clinical Assessment Reporting and Tracking Electrophysiology (CART-EP) database during fiscal years 2008-2016 were included. The primary outcome was 90-day incidence of CDI and the secondary outcome was the 7-day incidence of AKI. The primary exposure measure was duration of postprocedural antimicrobial therapy. Associations were measured using Cox-proportional hazards and binomial regression.

RESULTS

Prolonged postprocedural antimicrobial therapy was identified following 3,331 of 6,497 CIED procedures (51.3%), and the median duration of prophylaxis was 5 days. Prolonged postprocedural antimicrobial use was associated with increased risk of CDI (hazard ratio [HR], 2.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.54-5.46). Of the 27 patients who developed CDI, 11 subsequently died. Postprocedural antimicrobial use with ≥2 antimicrobials was associated with an increased risk of AKI (OR, 4.16; 95% CI, 2.50-6.90). The impact was particularly significant when one of the dual agents prescribed was vancomycin (adjusted OR, 8.41; 95% CI, 5.53-12.79).

CONCLUSIONS

Prolonged antimicrobial prophylaxis following CIED procedures increases preventable harm; this practice should be discouraged in procedural settings such as the cardiac electrophysiology laboratory.

Real-world effectiveness of infection prevention interventions for reducing procedure-related cardiac device infections: Insights from the veterans affairs clinical assessment reporting and tracking program

OBJECTIVE

To measure the association between receipt of specific infection prevention interventions and procedure-related cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infections.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort with manually reviewed infection status.

SETTING

Setting: National, multicenter Veterans Health Administration (VA) cohort.

PARTICIPANTS

Sampling of procedures entered into the VA Clinical Assessment Reporting and Tracking-Electrophysiology (CART-EP) database from fiscal years 2008 through 2015.

METHODS

A sample of procedures entered into the CART-EP database underwent manual review for occurrence of CIED infection and other clinical/procedural variables. The primary outcome was 6-month incidence of CIED infection. Measures of association were calculated using multivariable generalized estimating equations logistic regression.

RESULTS

We identified 101 procedure-related CIED infections among 2,098 procedures (4.8% of reviewed sample). Factors associated with increased odds of infections included (1) wound complications (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 8.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.16-24.20), (2) revisions including generator changes (aOR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.59-3.63), (3) an elevated international normalized ratio (INR) &gt;1.5 (aOR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.12-2.18), and (4) methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus colonization (aOR, 9.56; 95% CI, 1.55-27.77). Clinically effective prevention interventions included preprocedural skin cleaning with chlorhexidine versus other topical agents (aOR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.22-0.76) and receipt of β-lactam antimicrobial prophylaxis versus vancomycin (aOR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.37-0.96). The use of mesh pockets and continuation of antimicrobial prophylaxis after skin closure were not associated with reduced infection risk.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings regarding the real-world clinical effectiveness of different prevention strategies can be applied to the development of evidence-based protocols and infection prevention guidelines specific to the electrophysiology laboratory.

Management of Device Infections

The rate of cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infection has increased disproportionately to the rate of implantation. Expanded indications for CIED implantation combined with a sicker patient population contribute to this increased rate. Device-related infections are most commonly due to perioperative contamination, and infection risk increases in conjunction with procedural complexity. Early pocket re-exploration and upgrade procedures confer a higher infectious risk. Confirmed CIED infection requires prompt removal of the CIED system combined with antimicrobial therapy. Understanding the risks of CIED infection and using preventive measures are critical. It is hoped that emerging technologies will mitigate CIED infection rates.

Reimplantation After Lead Removal

The number of implanted cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) has increased significantly in the last 30 years, which has led to an upsurge in CIED complications, such as infection and lead malfunction requiring CIED extraction. The decision-making process of CIED reimplantation requires meticulous planning that includes careful consideration of several aspects: the reason for extraction, the indication for CIED reimplantation, patients' wishes, timing of reimplantation, the need for a bridging device, and the type and location of device to be reimplanted. In this article, the authors review this decision-making process and the necessary steps to achieve optimal patient outcomes.

Infective endocarditis and risk of death after cardiac implantable electronic device implantation: a nationwide cohort study

Aims

To determine the incidence, risk factors, and mortality of infective endocarditis (IE) following implantation of a first-time, permanent, cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED).

Methods and results

From Danish nationwide administrative registers (beginning in 1996), we identified all de-novo permanent pacemakers (PMs) and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) together with the occurrence of post-implantation IE-events in the period from 2000-2012. Included were 43 048 first-time PM/ICD recipients. Total follow-up time was 168 343 person-years (PYs). The incidence rate (per 1000 PYs) of IE in PM was 2.1 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.7-2.6) for single chamber devices and 6.2 (95% CI: 4.5-8.7) for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT); similarly, the rate of IE in ICD was 3.7 (95% CI: 2.9-4.7) in single chamber devices and 6.3 (95% CI: 4.4-9.0) in CRT. In multivariable analysis, increased PM complexity served as independent risk factor for IE {dual chamber PM [hazard ratio (HR) 1.39; 95% CI: 1.07-1.80] and CRT [HR: 1.84; 95% CI: 1.20-2.84]}. During follow-up, generator replacement (HR: 2.79; 95% CI: 1.87-4.17) and lead revision (HR: 4.33; 95% CI: 3.25-5.78) in PMs were associated with increased risk. Corresponding estimates in ICDs were 2.49 (95% CI: 1.28-4.86) and 6.58 (95% CI: 4.49-9.63). Risk of death after IE was significantly increased in PM and ICD with HRs of 1.56 (95% CI: 1.33-1.82) and 2.63 (95% CI: 2.00-3.48), respectively.

Conclusion

The risk of IE increased with increasing PM complexity. Other important risk factors were subsequent generator replacement and lead revision. IE was associated with an increased risk of mortality in the area of CIED.

A Roadmap for Reducing Cardiac Device Infections: a Review of Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, and Actionable Risk Factors to Guide the Development of an Infection Prevention Program for the Electrophysiology Laboratory

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) infections are highly morbid, common, and costly, and rates are increasing (Sohail et al. Arch Intern Med 171(20):1821-8 2011; Voigt et al. J Am Coll Cardiol 48(3):590-1 2006). Factors that contribute to the development of CIED infections include patient factors (comorbid conditions, self-care, microbiome), procedural details (repeat procedure, contamination during procedure, appropriate pre-procedural prep, and antimicrobial use), environmental and organizational factors (patient safety culture, facility barriers, such as lack of space to store essential supplies, quality of environmental cleaning), and microbial factors (type of organism, virulence of organism). Each of these can be specifically targeted with infection prevention interventions.

RECENT FINDINGS

Basic prevention practices, such as administration of systemic antimicrobials prior to incision and delaying the procedure in the setting of fever or elevated INR, are helpful for day-to-day prevention of cardiac device infections. Small single-center studies provide proof-of-concept that bundled prevention interventions can reduce infections, particularly in outbreak settings. However, data regarding which prevention strategies are the most important is limited as are data regarding the optimal prevention program for day-to-day prevention (Borer et al. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 25(6):492-7 2004; Ahsan et al. Europace 16(10):1482-9 2014). Evolution of infection prevention programs to include ambulatory and procedural areas is crucial as healthcare delivery is increasingly provided outside of hospitals and operating rooms. The focus on traditional operating rooms and inpatient care leaves the vast majority of healthcare delivery-including cardiac device implantations in the electrophysiology laboratory-uncovered.

Prevention of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device Infections: Single Operator Technique with Use of Povidone-Iodine, Double Gloving, Meticulous Aseptic/Antiseptic Measures and Antibiotic Prophylaxis

BACKGROUND

Cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) implantation is complicated by infection still at a worrisome rate of 2-5%. Since early on during device implantation procedures, we have adopted an infection-preventive technique which has hitherto resulted in effective prevention of infections. Herein we present our results of applying this technique by a single operator in a prospective series of 762 consecutive patients undergoing device implantation.

METHODS

A meticulous search for and treatment of active, occult, or smoldering infection was undertaken preoperatively. An aseptic/antiseptic technique was used for implantation of each device. Skin preparation is thorough with initial cleansing performed with alcohol followed by povidone-iodine 10% solution, which is also used in the wound and inside the pocket. In addition, we routinely use double gloving, and IV antibiotic prophylaxis 1 hour before and for 48 hours afterwards followed by oral antibiotic for 2-3 days after discharge. The skin is closed with absorbable sutures. The study includes 382 patients having a new pacemaker (n = 333) or battery change, system upgrade or lead revision (n = 49), and 380 patients having a new implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) (n = 296) or device replacement/upgrade/lead revision (n = 84).

RESULTS

The pacemaker group, aged 70.2 ± 16.5 years, includes 18% VVI, 49% DDD, 29% VDD, and 4% cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices. The ICD group, aged 61.3 ± 13.0 years, with a mean ejection fraction of 36 ± 13%, includes 325 ICD and 55 CRT implants. Over 26.6 ± 33.4 months for the pacemaker group and 36.6 ± 38.3 months for the ICD group, infection occurred in one patient in each group (0.26%) having a device replacement.

CONCLUSION

A consistent and strict approach of aseptic/antiseptic technique with the use of double gloving and povidone-iodine solution within the pocket plus a 4-day regimen of antibiotic prophylaxis minimizes infections in CIED implants.

Cardiac Electrophysiology Laboratories: A Potential Target for Antimicrobial Stewardship and Quality Improvement?

BACKGROUND Infections following cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) procedures, including pacemaker and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, are devastating and costly. Preimplantation prophylactic antimicrobials are effective for reducing postprocedural infections. However, routine postprocedural antimicrobials are not associated with improved outcomes, and they may be harmful. Thus, we sought to characterize antimicrobial use patterns following CIED procedures. DESIGN All patients who underwent CIED procedures from October 1, 2007 to September 30, 2013 and had procedural information entered into the VA Clinical Assessment Reporting and Tracking (CART) software program were included in this study. All antibiotic prescriptions lasting more than 24 hours following device implantation or revision were identified using pharmacy databases, and postprocedural antibiotic use lasting more than 24 hours was characterized. RESULTS In total, 3,712 CIED procedures were performed at 34 VA facilities on 3,570 patients with a mean age of 71.7 years (standard deviation [SD], 11.1 years), 98.4% of whom were male. Postprocedural antibiotics >24 hours were prescribed following 1,579 of 3,712 CIED procedures (42.5%). The median duration of therapy was 5 days (interquartile range [IQR], 3-7 days). The most commonly prescribed antibiotic was cephalexin (1,152 of 1,579; 72.9%), followed by doxycycline (118 of 1,579; 7.47%) and ciprofloxacin (93 of 1,579; 5.9%). Vancomycin was used in 73 of 1,579 prescriptions (4.62%). Among the highest quartile of procedural volume, prescribing practices varied considerably, ranging from 3.2% to 77.6%. CONCLUSIONS Nearly 1 in 2 patients received prolonged postprocedural antimicrobial therapy following CIED procedures, and the rate of postprocedural antimicrobial therapy use varied considerably by facility. Given the lack of demonstrated benefit of routine prolonged antimicrobial therapy following CIED procedures, antimicrobial use following cardiac device interventions may be a potential target for quality improvement programs and antimicrobial stewardship. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;37:1005-1011.

Cardiac device infection: Review based in the experience of a single center

INTRODUCTION

The incidence of cardiac implantable electronic device infections has increased significantly over the years and they are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The epidemiology in the Central region of Portugal is not known.

OBJECTIVE AND METHODS

To characterize cardiac implantable electronic device infections through a retrospective study of 3158 patients admitted to our center between January 2008 and September 2014 and to review the subject in the light of the current state of the art.

RESULTS

The infection rate was 1.48% (pacemakers 1.21%, cardiac defibrillator/resynchronization devices 5.40%). The study population consisted of 47 patients with a mean age of 65±19 years, predominantly male (72.3%). Infections were mainly of pacemakers, the main device implanted in our population (n=2954), and most occurred late after first implantation. Clinically, most patients presented with fever and local inflammation. Blood cultures identified mainly Gram-positive microorganisms. Empiric antibiotic therapy with vancomycin was instituted in all patients, associated with gentamicin in 57%. The device was extracted in the majority of cases (72%). During follow-up (32±22 months) eight patients died (17%), seven of cardiovascular cause (15%), and seven were readmitted with device infection (15%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our rate of infection was low, similar to other published series, with a higher rate in cardiac defibrillator/resynchronization devices. After standard treatment with antibiotic therapy and device extraction, the prognosis was good.

Impact of Chronic Kidney Disease on Short-Term Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device Related Infection: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) increased the incident cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infection, but risk factors of CIED infection in CKD patients remain unclear.Patients who received new CIED implantation between January 1, 1997 and December 31, 2011 were selected from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Database and were divided into 3 groups: patients with normal renal function, CKD patients without dialysis, and CKD patient with dialysis. Two outcomes, CIED infection during index hospitalization and within 1 year after discharge, were evaluated.This study included 38,354 patients, 35,060 patients in normal renal function group, 1927 patients in CKD without dialysis group, and 1367 patients in CKD with dialysis group. CKD patients without dialysis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.14, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.32-3.46) and CKD patients with dialysis (aOR, 3.78, 95% CI, 2.37-6.02) increased incident CIED infection during index hospitalization compared to patients with normal renal function. Use of steroid (aOR: 2.74, 95% CI, 1.08-6.98) increased the risk of CIED infection in CKD patients without dialysis while chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (aOR: 2.76, 95% CI, 1.06-7.16) increased the risk of CIED infection in CKD patient with dialysis during index hospitalization.CKD is a risk of CIED infection during index hospitalization. Use of steroid and COPD are important risks factors for CIED infection in CKD patients.

Management of Cardiac Electronic Device Infections: Challenges and Outcomes

Cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infection is an increasing problem. Reasons for this are uncertain, but likely relate to an increasing proportion of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) devices implanted, as well as implantations in 'higher risk' candidates, i.e. patients with heart failure, diabetes and renal failure. Challenges within the field of CIED infections are multiple with prevention being the most important challenge. Careful prescription of CIED treatment and careful patient preparation before implantation is important. Diagnosis is often difficult and delayed by subtle signs of infection. Treatment of CIED infection includes complete system removal in centres experienced in CIED extraction and prolonged antibiotic therapy. Meticulous planning and preparation before system extraction and later CIED re-implantation is essential for better patient outcome. Future strategies for reducing CIED infection should be tested in sufficiently powered, multicentre, randomised controlled trials.

Risk factors influencing complications of cardiac implantable electronic device implantation: infection, pneumothorax and heart perforation: a nationwide population-based cohort study

As the number of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) is increasing annually, CIED-related complications are becoming increasingly important. The aim of the study was to assess the risks associated with CIEDs by a nationwide database. Patients were selected from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Database. Admissions for CIED implantation, replacement, and revision were evaluated and the evaluation period was 14 years. Endpoints included CIED-related infection, pneumothorax, and heart perforation. The study included 40,608 patients with a mean age of 71.8 ± 13.3 years. Regarding infection, the incidence rate was 2.45 per 1000 CIED-years. Male gender, younger age, device replacement, and previous infection were risks for infection while old age and high-volume centers (>200 per year) were protectors. The incidence of pneumothorax was 0.6%, with an increased risk in individuals who had chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) and cardiac resynchronized therapy (CRT). The incidence of heart perforation was 0.09%, with an increased risk in individuals who had pre-operation temporal pacing and steroid use. High-volume center was found to decrease infection rate while male gender, young people, and individuals who underwent replacements were associated with an increased risk of infection. Additionally, pre-operation temporal pacing and steroid use should be avoided if possible. Furthermore, COPD patients or those who accept CRTs should be monitored closely.

Guidelines for the diagnosis, prevention and management of implantable cardiac electronic device infection. Report of a joint Working Party project on behalf of the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (BSAC, host organization), British Heart Rhythm Society (BHRS), British Cardiovascular Society (BCS), British Heart Valve Society (BHVS) and British Society for Echocardiography (BSE)

Infections related to implantable cardiac electronic devices (ICEDs), including pacemakers, implantable cardiac defibrillators and cardiac resynchronization therapy devices, are increasing in incidence in the USA and are likely to increase in the UK, because more devices are being implanted. These devices have both intravascular and extravascular components and infection can involve the generator, device leads and native cardiac structures or various combinations. ICED infections can be life-threatening, particularly when associated with endocardial infection, and all-cause mortality of up to 35% has been reported. Like infective endocarditis, ICED infections can be difficult to diagnose and manage. This guideline aims to (i) improve the quality of care provided to patients with ICEDs, (ii) provide an educational resource for all relevant healthcare professionals, (iii) encourage a multidisciplinary approach to ICED infection management, (iv) promote a standardized approach to the diagnosis, management, surveillance and prevention of ICED infection through pragmatic evidence-rated recommendations, and (v) advise on future research projects/audit. The guideline is intended to assist in the clinical care of patients with suspected or confirmed ICED infection in the UK, to inform local infection prevention and treatment policies and guidelines and to be used in the development of educational and training material by the relevant professional societies. The questions covered by the guideline are presented at the beginning of each section.

Combination prophylactic therapy with rifampin increases efficacy against an experimental Staphylococcus epidermidis subcutaneous implant-related infection

The incidence of infections related to cardiac devices (such as permanent pacemakers) has been increasing out of proportion to implantation rates. As management of device infections typically requires explantation of the device, optimal prophylactic strategies are needed. Cefazolin and vancomycin are widely used as single agents for surgical prophylaxis against cardiac device-related infections. However, combination antibiotic prophylaxis may further reduce infectious complications. To model a localized subcutaneous implant-related infection, a bioluminescent strain of Staphylococcus epidermidis was inoculated onto a medical-procedure-grade titanium disc, which was placed into a subcutaneous pocket in the backs of mice. In vivo bioluminescence imaging, quantification of ex vivo CFU from the capsules and implants, variable-pressure scanning electron microscopy (VP-SEM), and neutrophil enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) fluorescence in LysEGFP mice were employed to monitor the infection. This model was used to evaluate the efficacies of low- and high-dose cefazolin (50 and 200 mg/kg of body weight) and vancomycin (10 and 110 mg/kg) intravenous prophylaxis with or without rifampin (25 mg/kg). High-dose cefazolin and high-dose vancomycin treatment resulted in almost complete bacterial clearance, whereas both low-dose cefazolin and low-dose vancomycin reduced the in vivo and ex vivo bacterial burden only moderately. The addition of rifampin to low-dose cefazolin and vancomycin was highly effective in further reducing the CFU harvested from the implants. However, vancomycin-rifampin was more effective than cefazolin-rifampin in further reducing the CFU harvested from the surrounding tissue capsules. Future studies in humans will be required to determine whether the addition of rifampin has improved efficacy in preventing device-related infections in clinical practice.

Quality of care: not hospital but operator volume of pacemaker implantations counts

Literature about pacemaker (PM) implantations shows that several clinical and technical factors determine the short- and long-term complications after the intervention. Annual hospital volume, however, does not negatively affect complications in contrast with the cumulative experience of the operator. In view of this observation, the current required number of 20 to 30 first PM implantations for cardiology training does not match standards for quality of care. In addition, concentration of implants and replacement of pacemakers to a limited number of operators per hospital to comply with the increasing demands of patients and other parties has to be seriously considered.