Cardiac Device Infections

Cardiac device infections are becoming increasingly common and involve pacemakers, defibrillators, and cardiac resynchronization therapy devices. Infections can occur in different parts of the device, including the generator pocket, wires, and leads. Identifying symptoms and signs of infection in these areas is crucial in determining the involvement of the device. Microorganisms commonly involved in cardiac device infections are Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. Empiric therapy usually involves vancomycin, and imaging, such as echocardiography, can help identify infections in the valves or leads. Removal of infected devices is a critical management step, and the timing of re-implantation depends on factors such as the type of device and patient characteristics. Treatment duration varies based on the extent of infection and ranges from 7 to 10 days for localized infections to 4 to 6 weeks for device-related endocarditis.