Prevention and Risk Assessment of Cardiac Device Infections in Clinical Practice
Andrea Matteucci, Carlo Pignalberi, Claudio Pandozi, Barbara Magris, Antonella Meo, Maurizio Russo, Marco Galeazzi, G Schiaffini, Stefano Aquilani, Stefania Angela Di Fusco, Furio Colivicchi
Abstract
The implantation of cardiac electronic devices (CIEDs), including pacemakers and defibrillators, has become increasingly prevalent in recent years and has been accompanied by a significant rise in cardiac device infections (CDIs), which pose a substantial clinical and economic burden. CDIs are associated with hospitalizations and prolonged antibiotic therapy and often necessitate device removal, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs worldwide. Approximately 1-2% of CIED implants are associated with infections, making this a critical issue to address. In this contemporary review, we discuss the burden of CDIs with their risk factors, healthcare costs, prevention strategies, and clinical management.