Leadless pacemakers reduce risk of device-related infection: Review of the potential mechanisms
Mikhael F. El‐Chami, Matt Bonner, Reece Holbrook, Kurt Stromberg, Jane Mayotte, Amy Molan, M. Rizwan Sohail, Laurence M. Epstein
Abstract
Pacemaker-related infections remain a constant concern due to increased risk of patient morbidity and mortality. Although transvenous pacemakers are expected to have an infection rate ranging from 0.77% to 2.08%, no cases of leadless pacemaker infection have been reported in clinical trials enrolling more than 3000 patients. Many potential reasons why leadless pacemakers may be resistant to infection include the absence of a subcutaneous pocket and leads, reduced skin and glove contact, size, location, and device material. This review summarizes the current state of evidence regarding the apparent infection resistance of leadless pacemakers.